GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of U.S. automaker General Motors Co., said Thursday that it stopped taking new orders for its popular Malibu diesel midsize sedan due to supply problems.

The 2014 model year car powered by a 2.0-liter motor mated to a six-speed automatic transmission has a combined fuel economy of 13.3 kilometers on a liter of fuel. So far, the carmaker has received some 3,000 orders, which exceeds its ability to make the cars and sell them to customers in a timely manner.

The vehicle comes in two trims, both of which are priced under 30 million won (US$29,280), making it relatively "affordable" for a diesel passenger car. 

It has been well received by South Korean consumers who have become more favorable towards diesel passenger cars in recent years, thanks mainly to their excellent mileage compared to gasoline vehicles. The engine comes from Opel, GM's Germany subsidiary, while Japan's Aisin supplies the transmission.

Since sales started in mid March, the company reported sales hitting 216 units in the first month, with numbers rising to 522 in April. 

"The plan is to make cars and hand them over to customers who have already placed orders," a company source said. He, however, said all those wanting to buy the Malibu diesel in the future are being asked to consider the 2015 model year Malibu that will be unveiled in the second half of this year.

Pricing for the new car has not been released, but GM Korea said it will accept pre-orders starting this month. (Yonhap)