History Of SsangYong Motors
SsangYong Motor History
In January of 1954 the Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop was established, the beginnings of the company we know as SsangYong today.
By 1967 the company became Korea's largest exporter of buses to Vietnam.
By 1974 it had co-established Shinjin Jeep Motor Co, Ltd and October of that year it began developing hard and soft-top jeeps.
In the years that followed, the company name changed to Donga Motor Co, Ltd, and the Pyungtaek plant was constructed. 4, 5 and 6 passenger jeeps were created, along with taxi and snow-plough jeeps, and dump trailers.
In 1988 the company changed its name to SsangYong Motor Co, Ltd and by 1990 the SsangYong Korando recreational sport jeep won first place in the Kypros rally.
In the early 1990's, Mercedes-Benz AG made a capital investment in SsangYong Motors to establish a strategic alliance and create cooperation in technologies, management and distribution.
Through this alliance, SsangYong Motors gained technological competence to develop vehicles employing advanced technologies and launch them in global markets.
In 1993 SsangYong embarked on producing the Musso, a 4x4 SUV.
In 1997 the Chairman was launched as a luxury sedan, making its way to New Zealand shores in May 2005.
The release of the new Musso SUV coincided with the company merge with Daewoo in 1998, and the 7 seat version of the Musso was soon to follow.
In April 2000 SsangYong became independent of the Daewoo Group and by 2001 the SsangYong Rexton 4x4 All wheel drive was produced, utilising Mercedes Benz engine technology.
The Rexton is still current today. 2002 saw the introduction of the Musso Sports utility vehicle, launched in New Zealand in early 2004.
In January of 1954 the Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop was established, the beginnings of the company we know as SsangYong today.
By 1967 the company became Korea's largest exporter of buses to Vietnam.
By 1974 it had co-established Shinjin Jeep Motor Co, Ltd and October of that year it began developing hard and soft-top jeeps.
In the years that followed, the company name changed to Donga Motor Co, Ltd, and the Pyungtaek plant was constructed. 4, 5 and 6 passenger jeeps were created, along with taxi and snow-plough jeeps, and dump trailers.
In 1988 the company changed its name to SsangYong Motor Co, Ltd and by 1990 the SsangYong Korando recreational sport jeep won first place in the Kypros rally.
In the early 1990's, Mercedes-Benz AG made a capital investment in SsangYong Motors to establish a strategic alliance and create cooperation in technologies, management and distribution.
Through this alliance, SsangYong Motors gained technological competence to develop vehicles employing advanced technologies and launch them in global markets.
In 1993 SsangYong embarked on producing the Musso, a 4x4 SUV.
In 1997 the Chairman was launched as a luxury sedan, making its way to New Zealand shores in May 2005.
The release of the new Musso SUV coincided with the company merge with Daewoo in 1998, and the 7 seat version of the Musso was soon to follow.
In April 2000 SsangYong became independent of the Daewoo Group and by 2001 the SsangYong Rexton 4x4 All wheel drive was produced, utilising Mercedes Benz engine technology.
The Rexton is still current today. 2002 saw the introduction of the Musso Sports utility vehicle, launched in New Zealand in early 2004.
SsangYong New Zealand
The SsangYong Actyon Sport utility was introduced to New Zealand in late 2006 and was soon awarded the AA Ute of the Year, then in 2008 was optioned with a six speed DSI transmission.
Also in 2006 the SsangYong Rexton II was introduced and came with the 400NM upgraded engine in the SPR. Its distinctive styling has been a hit with New Zealand customers, and its awesome towing ability (3200kg) and seven seat capacity makes it a favourite with Kiwi families.
2009 saw the global financial crisis take its toll on SsangYong as it was placed into government ownership, and left to trade its way out of trouble, while a suitable buyer could be found.
2010, today we have the great news that export sales are up a whopping 760% on last year, and the Korean government has approved from 3 very strong bids, a major ownership purchase by Mahindra Corporation.
This is great news for the future of the brand as Mahindra want to leave the company separate from any of its own manufacturing companies, and maintain Korean management. Now we look forward to the launch of the new Korando, and many more NZ motorists joining the SsangYong family.
The SsangYong Actyon Sport utility was introduced to New Zealand in late 2006 and was soon awarded the AA Ute of the Year, then in 2008 was optioned with a six speed DSI transmission.
Also in 2006 the SsangYong Rexton II was introduced and came with the 400NM upgraded engine in the SPR. Its distinctive styling has been a hit with New Zealand customers, and its awesome towing ability (3200kg) and seven seat capacity makes it a favourite with Kiwi families.
2009 saw the global financial crisis take its toll on SsangYong as it was placed into government ownership, and left to trade its way out of trouble, while a suitable buyer could be found.
2010, today we have the great news that export sales are up a whopping 760% on last year, and the Korean government has approved from 3 very strong bids, a major ownership purchase by Mahindra Corporation.
This is great news for the future of the brand as Mahindra want to leave the company separate from any of its own manufacturing companies, and maintain Korean management. Now we look forward to the launch of the new Korando, and many more NZ motorists joining the SsangYong family.
0800 SHARROCK
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