Chevrolet, one of America's iconic brand autos, officially launched its first dealership here on Monday, aiming at tapping into the country's growing market for new vehicles.

Martin Apfel, president of the US' General Motors to Southeast Asia Operations, said at the launching ceremony at the cars' showroom in Phnom Penh, that the firm's expansion to Cambodia was thanks to the country's rapid economic growth in last decade and high demand in brand new cars.

The country's new car demands are around 2,000 units a year, while the annual demand of used cars are up to 20,000 units.

"Cambodian auto industry is expected to grow by 15 percent this year," he predicted.

Martin said that in Cambodia, the General Motors gave authority to Cambodia's United Auto Trading to be an exclusive distributor of Chevrolet cars.

"Cambodian automotive market is small, but growing rapidly," said Tong Norm, chairman of United Auto Trading.

Speaking at the launch, Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh said the presence of Chevrolet cars truly reflected investors' confidence in Cambodia's security and political stability as well as good business opportunity.

Founded in 1911, Chevrolet brand cars are produced by General Motors, one of the largest auto manufacturing companies in America, said the company's press release, adding that currently, the cars have presence in more than 140 countries and more than 4 million cars and trucks are sold every year.