Another Korean car marque is coming to Ireland. Daewoo, which pioneered an innovative direct selling operation in Britain, plans to enter the market here with its low-cost, highly-specified model range.

But the company will not be involved in direct selling here. It will take the more conventional approach of appointing dealers. Daewoo cars in other European markets have also been sold through dealers: Britain has been the exception.

Daewoo is rated by Fortune magazine as the 24th-largest corporation in the world, with interests that extend from sportswear to space to shipbuilding. It is the second biggest shipbuilder in the world.

Last year Pino Harris, importer of Hino and Iveco trucks, was close to finalising an agreement with Daewoo as its Irish importer. It fell through, however and the reactivated plan for the Irish market sees Daewoo in Britain assuming responsibility. Daewoo Cars in Britain is wholly-owned by the Korean parent corporation.

A spokesman for the company, based at Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire, confirmed there were plans for Ireland but refused to give any other details. "It would be premature: there's a lot of work to be done."

Daewoo in Britain is launching a new baby car, the 800cc Matiz, in August. The media launch is planned for Dublin and more details about Daewoo's Irish plans are likely to be announced then.