The car goes on sale in France this month and is the first to offer the auto maker’s new 3-cyl. engines, but early buyers are expected to purchase mainly higher-end models.

The Taurus sedan last year controlled 26.7% of its segment, trailing the 29.43% share held by the Dodge Charger, according to WardsAuto data.

GM Korea is “very, very significant to (global) operations as the home of small and minicar development and in supporting products around the world,” a top General Motors International Operations executive says.

New light-vehicle sales scored a second consecutive record rating onWardsAuto Fuel-Economy Index.

The No.3 Japanese auto maker’s Farmington Hills, MI, tech center employs 1,000 workers, including 800 direct employees and 200 contract workers.

Five cooperative groups have been launched. Under study is the sharing of dual-clutch transmissions and platforms, small cars for emerging markets and ultra-low emissions vehicles.