A NEW Daewoo dealership opens in Southampton in the new year as the manufacturer enters a new era in the motoring business.

Daewoo joins Vauxhall under the General Motors umbrella and has ambitious plans for new model launches in the coming months.

Heading up the new Southampton dealership is Mahinder Gill, who has taken over the former Daewoo site in Portswood for his new operation.

He has taken on the old premises, equipment and some of the experienced staff from the former retailer in Southampton and is looking forward to helping Daewoo thrive in the city.

"Our first priority is to clear the backlog of servicing work of current customers when the doors open on January 6 and we have had the phones reconnected and are already taking bookings," said Mr Gill.

The new owner is no stranger to the motoring industry, having worked with Mercedes and Daewoo in the past.

"I will be very involved in the running of the dealership and setting up a family atmosphere for staff and customers," he said.

"We will be launching the new Kalos in style with an open weekend on January 11/12 with test drives, buffet, prize draw and plenty of entertainment for the children."