South Korean car maker KGM SsangYong might have a new model and a new name, but it’s by no means a newcomer.
Here’s the fascinating history of the humble workshop-turned-global brand.
South Korean car maker KGM SsangYong is no stranger to the changing Fijian and Australian market and it is riding high on its new model, the mid-sized Torres SUV.
The Torres is targeted to win over families with its competitive pricing — currently starting at $69,888 while drawing customer attention away from other key rivals.
KGM name was recently launched from its previous.
In fact, SsangYong brand is Korea’s oldest automotive brand, starting as a humble workshop in the 1950s before expanding to a global corporation and well before Kia and Hyundai.
Domestically speaking, SsangYong has been in Fiji for more than 28 years, albeit under different product badges with numerous distributors.
SsangYong has been around for approximately 70 years.
The origins of the South Korean car maker can be traced back to 1954 that manufactured and exported trucks, buses and utility vehicles.
With more resources at its disposal, SsangYong made its first important step towards global recognition – partnering with Daimler-Benz (now known as the Mercedes-Benz Group) in 1991, the South Korean car maker started to develop cars using the German brand’s technology.
Two years later, launched its first model equipped with technology derived from the German luxury car maker: the Musso SUV.
In 2001, the South Korean car maker released its third SUV model, dubbed the Rexton — which was also equipped with Mercedes-Benz technology.
In 202 KG Group acquired the rights to SsangYong after it purchased the brand for 800 billion won.
A year later, SsangYong won the crown for the Best Ute
Under $50,000 in the 2024 Drive Car of the Year awards, following the Musso ute’s improvement in overall handling, off-road capabilities, build quality and features in Australia.
Why is it called KGM SsangYong?
KG Group re-branded the SsangYong brand as KG Mobility (KGM) in its native Korea, as well as in other global markets such as Fiji, UK, New Zealand and Australia.
Today, KGM stands as the oldest Korean brand with a marvel of models that outmatch its two other domestic rivals in terms of technology, engineering, class and vehicle performance.
For all your KGM requirements, contact Vision Motors at driven@vison.com.fj
