One of South Korea's biggest automotive manufacturers has unveiled a new experimental hybrid car at its second anniversary launch.

GM Daewoo Auto & Technology debuted the S3X sports utility vehicle in the region, following up from its global premiere at the Paris Motor Show.

The hybrid car marks the first vehicle to be completely designed by GM Daewoo since it was bought out by General Motors in 2002.

Nick Reilly, GM Daewoo president, hailed the new car as a sign of industry progress and also a marker of the company's own development.

"There is no better way to symbolically demonstrate how far we have come than by revealing the S3X," he told Yonhap.

"We are working with other GM group members to devise advanced technology solutions, including hybrid and fuel cell propulsion systems.

"Our aim is to reduce emissions, improve efficiency and lesson Korea's dependence on imported oil."

The S3X will be available both as a gasoline and a diesel-powered engine, and is expected to enter mass production in 2006.

However, the US market will have to wait for the mass production of the hybrid vehicle, due to the level of competition in the region.

Meanwhile, GM also took the opportunity to showcase its new Hy-wire vehicle, a zero-emission car that combines fuel cells with drive-by-wire technology.