SsangYong was initially established as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954. The company initially started producing trucks, busses and special purpose vehicles many of them for export.
Co-founded Shinjin Jeep and developed both hard and soft top Jeeps.
In 1977 the company, known at the time as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor Co changed its name to Dong A Motor Co Ltd.
In 1984 SsangYong took over Geohwa Co and took over the name Korando, a contraction of the motto “Korean Can Do”.
In 1986 the SsangYong Group acquired the company and subsequently all vehicles were given the SsangYong name.
In 1991 SsangYong formed a powerful partnership with Daimler-Benz. This allowed SsangYong to develop products using Mercedes-Benz technology.
The first vehicle launched using Mercedes technology was the large SUV the SsangYong Musso.
The ‘new’ Korando was launched to compliment the SsangYong Musso and featured several engine options including both petrol and diesel.
Daewoo bought a majority stake in SsangYong and subsequently vehicles such as Korando were sold as the Daewoo until 2001.
The first generation of Rexton was launched using technology from Mercedes-Benz – Rexton furthered SsangYong’s reputation for producing competent off-roaders.
In 2004 SsangYong merged with Chinese Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). 2004 also saw the company launch a large 7 seat MPV for the first time with Rodius.
Mumbai based Mahindra Motor Co, India’s largest maker of utility vehicles acquired SsangYong. 2011 also launched the 3rd generation Korando, SsangYong’s first monocoque and uses a new 2.0L home developed diesel engine.
Launch of Korando Sports which brings a new level of refinement to the pick-up market.
Launch of Turismo, a much updated and improved version of the Rodius now with the 2.0L diesel engine and contemporary styling.
Rexton W reached the UK in early 2014 with an all new look and now well proven SsangYong 2.0 litre diesel engine. Rexton W is set to build on its predecessor’s reputation as a tough, no-nonsense off-roader and tow-car.
2015 was an exciting year for SsangYong with the launch of Tivoli, a small crossover vehicle. Engineered in conjunction with Mahindra and powered by an all-new SsangYong 1.6L engine, Tivoli has become SsangYong’s best selling model yet!
Bigger is better – Tivoli XLV features an extended body to create sector beating luggage space of 720 litres making Tivoli even more versatile
Replacing a flagship model is always a big event, and 2017 saw the launch of the new Rexton – the 4th generation. With 3.5 tonnes towing, space for 7, massive off-road ability and an interior of a luxury car the new Rexton took the SsangYong brand to new heights.
The launch of the new Musso in 2018 completes the renewal of our complete range under Mahindra and Mahindra management – based on the new Rexton, Musso has the ability to carry over a tonne and tow 3.5 tonnes at the same time. It’s also rather refined and well appointed as you would expect for a truck based on a top of the range SUV.
The launch of the new Korando saw our product plan come full circle with a fully modern version of our towing favourite, the Korando. An all-new 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine was a big step as was the ‘blaze cockpit’ featuring cutting edge screens and mood lighting. But plenty of space for passengers and luggage and the ability to tow 2 tonnes are retained.
The first major refresh for Tivoli brings new 1.2L and 1.5L turbocharged petrol engines, an uprated diesel and a cabin that takes the best of the technology from Korando whilst maintaining interior and boot space that can embarrass many a rival.
In the world of pick-up’s big is best and Musso Rhino is the biggest of them all. With all the benefits of the standard Musso and an extra-long load deck carrying capacity is now the biggest in the market whilst retaining the ability to tow at the same time.