The history of the brand began in 1954, when the Ha-Dong hwan Motor Company was organized in South Korea. She was engaged in the production of Jeep SUVs for the American army. In addition to jeeps, the Korean company produced buses, trucks and special equipment. The military conflict between the southern and northern parts of Korea made the cars produced in demand.
In 1976, the company changed its name to Dong-A Motor. And in 1979, its own factory was built in the city of Pyeongtek. The result of active work on promoting products to the world market was the start of exports of buses to Libya in the mid-80s.
In 1984, the company changed its name to SsangYong Group. SsangYong means "two dragons" in Korean.
In 1986, the company acquired Keohwa Motors, which produced SUVs under the Korando brand. Released two years later, the updated model of the all-wheel drive Korando Family gained great popularity.
The turning point in the history of the brand happened in 1991, when the German concern Mercedes-Benz became an investor in SsangYong. The partnership led to the development of new car models and the production of Mercedes engines. In addition, this gave SsangYong the opportunity to supply its cars to Europe through Mercedes dealers. The first model exported to Europe was. Gasoline and diesel engines Mercedes, which were installed on Musso, according to the manufacturer, could do without overhaul 1 million kilometers.
Until 1998, SsangYong Motor remained an independent company, but the Asian economic crisis contributed to the takeover of the company by the Daewoo corporation, after which all SsangYong cars began to be produced under the new brand. However, in 2000, Daewoo itself began to experience financial difficulties. This two-year respite was enough for SsangYong to regain independence.
The new affordable model came out in 2001. The design of this car was developed by the famous Italian studio ItalDesign.
In 2003, a 49% stake in SsangYong Motor was bought by the Chinese state corporation SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation). And in 2006, two new models debuted: and a pickup Actyon sports built on top of it.
At the Paris 2012 Motor Show, SsangYong unveiled the concept of its first electric vehicle, the eXIV. The novelty will be equipped with an 80-kilowatt electric motor and a lithium-ion battery, and the power reserve will be 80 kilometers.
The name of the company - Two Dragons, is associated with an old Korean legend. It says that once upon a time, two dragon brothers dreamed of living in the paradise gardens of the heavenly land. But to get into it, each of them needed the magic stone "Tsintamani", which the twins had one for two. For a thousand years, the dragons begged each other to take the magic stone and fly to the coveted land. But, none of them agreed. The Heavenly Emperor was amazed at the brothers' generosity and presented them with another "Tsintamani" so that they could go together towards their dream.
Released in 2004, the Rodius / Stavic model was awarded the title of “Ugliest Car Ever.” By the popular British car show Top Gear.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine purchased cars in 2009 SsangYong Actyon... The total purchase price is 500 thousand dollars. Now Ukrainian police officers patrol the streets in Korean SUVs with Mercedes engines with a capacity of 150 liters. with.
SsangYong in Russia
Today the following models of the company's SUVs are presented in Russia: Rexton, Kyron, New Actyon and Actyon Sport.
Cars of this brand have a low cost in comparison with similar models of American and European manufacturers. Prices for Kyron and Actyon range from 700 thousand to 1 million. rubles, and for the Rexton model the dealer in Russia asks from 1 million to 1 million 400 thousand rubles.
The most popular model in Europe - Musso, has not gained popularity in Russia. Low ground clearance, poor corrosion resistance of the body and insufficient reliability too soft suspension did not satisfy the needs of Russian motorists.
The sales statistics of the Korean manufacturer in Russia are improving every year. So in 2011, 13,000 cars were sold, in 2012 - about 20,000. In the near future, the company intends to continue this trend and reach the mark of 30,000 cars a year.
Earned in 2009 new plant Sollers for assembly Ssang Car Yong in the Far East, which produces four models of SUVs. In 2011, 25,000 thousand cars were assembled, and in 2012 there were already almost 30,000 thousand cars.
SsangYong plans to build its own SKD assembly plant in the near future.
SUV SsangYong Kyron("Sanyeng Kyron") began production in Korea in 2005. The car stood out for its original external appearance by British designer Kenneth Greenlee.
The car had frame structure, "Kyrons" for the Korean market had an independent rear suspension and a seven-seater saloon, and the export versions had a continuous rear axle and five seats in the cabin. The drive is full, with a rigidly connected front end and a reduction gear, and in Korea, rear-wheel drive modifications were also offered.
Licensed Mercedes cars were installed on SsangYong Kyron power units: a four-cylinder turbo diesel with a volume of 2.0 liters and a five-cylinder with a volume of 2.7 liters (such cars Russian market not supplied). Transmissions - five-speed, manual or automatic.
In 2007, the model was restyled: "Sanyeng Kyron" received a more harmonious design, a slightly modified interior and a 2.3-liter Gas engine with a capacity of 150 liters. with. in combination with "mechanics" or a four-speed "automatic". In 2009, some versions of the model began to install a new six-speed automatic transmission gear.
Chyrons for the Russian market have been assembled at the Sollers plant in Naberezhnye Chelny since 2006, and at the end of 2009 production was moved to Vladivostok. Prices for an SUV started at 800 thousand rubles (in 2010).
In Korea, SsangYong Kyron was discontinued in 2011, and the assembly of cars in Vladivostok continued until 2014 (at the end of the conveyor life, a small batch of single-drive cars entered the Russian market). A licensed copy of the model was produced in China under the name.
Sanyeng Kyron car engine table
South Korean manufacturer mainly engaged in automobiles off-road... The history of the brand began in 1954, when the company was founded in Seoul (where its headquarters are located to this day). Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop... She was involved in the creation of classic Jeep SUVs and trucks for American soldiers. Only a year has passed since the end of the Korean War, there were enough American troops in South Korea and the need for such vehicles was great.
As you know, companies thrive on military orders. It happened with Hadonghwan... Over time, the range of products was expanded and civilian equipment. In 1963, as a result of the merger with Dongbang Motor Co., Ltd.(founded in 1962), it changes its name to Ha Dong-hwan Motor Co., Ltd,
The company is developing rapidly. The range of products is gradually expanding - fire trucks, buses and much more appear. In 1977 it changes its name again. This time on Donga Motor Co., Ltd. Attempts are being made to enter the international market. The products for export at that time were buses.
In 1983 there was a takeover Geohwa Motors that was engaged in the production of SUVs under the brand Korando... It was with the acquisition of this brand that a new stage in history began. SsangYong... The company begins active development in the direction of creating vehicles with increased throughput and increased comfort. Introduced in 1986 new model Korando, on which it was possible to "enter" the market of "SUVs". The first "blow" took over japanese market, and two years later, export to European markets began.
A British company was acquired in 1987 PANTHER CAR Co., UK producing sports cars Kallista, which as a result became known as Ssangyong kallista... They were produced until 1993. A total of 78 units were produced.
In 1988, the company once again changes its name, this time to SsangYong Motor Co., Ltd.. "SsangYong" can be translated from Korean as "Double dragon" so or "Two dragons".
A few years later, an agreement was made with Mercedes, as a result of which the products SsangYong got the opportunity to use the technology of the German manufacturer.
1997 was marked by the appearance of the first passenger car Korean company - an exclusive Chairman based on Mercedes E-class... However, that was all over, expand the lineup"Cars" did not work. One of the reasons for this was the crisis that erupted in Korea at the end of 1997. Result of the crisis lard entry SsangYong with composition Daewoo motors... However, not for long - in 2000, the company regains its independence, since now Daewoo experienced serious problems.
The renaissance that began in 2001 did not drag on too long - in 2004 SsangYong again falls under the influence. This time a Chinese corporation SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation). Which safely brought him to bankruptcy in 2008. By the way, the matter was rather murky - according to many, SAIC She did it on purpose due to difficult relations with the Korean pro-unions, which demanded better working conditions and accused the Chinese of stealing technology. After all, other brands SAIC felt great, and the corporation itself even negotiated with Ford Motors about brand acquisition Volvo... However, be that as it may, but in the end SAIC almost completely lost control of SsangYong, having remained with only 10% of the shares. And the Korean company received independence through the courts and the ability to restructure production.
SsangYong Motor Company or SsangYong Motor is a South Korean automaker. The name in translation means "A pair of dragons". Indian Mahindra & Mahindra Limited has owned 70% of the company's shares since 2011. The entire Sang Yong range.
History
The venture originally emerged as two separate companies: Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop and Dongbang Motor Co. In mid-1963, the two companies merged into Ha Dong-hwan Motor Co.
Since 1964, Hadonghwan has been producing jeeps for the US military, as well as trucks and buses. Since 1976, the company has introduced a wide range of special vehicles. In 1977, the firm was taken over by the Sang Yong business group, which eventually changed the name of the division to SsangYong Motor.
In 1987, the company acquired the British automaker Panther Westwind. In 1991, a technological collaboration with Daimler-Benz began. The agreement was necessary for Sang Yong to develop a state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz SUV.
This was intended to allow production to gain footholds in new markets without having to build its own infrastructure, but rather leverage existing Mercedes-Benz networks. This union led to the emergence of the model SsangYong Musso sold first by Mercedes-Benz and later by Sang Yong.
Sang Yong has long benefited from this alliance - even after Daimler-Benz stopped selling the Musso brand, she continued to produce the Istana model based on the Mercedes-Benz MB100. In addition, Daimler's developments were used in many other models, including the second generation Korando, Rexton, Chairman H and Sang Yong Kyron, the price of only 1 million rubles. can be read in the corresponding article.
In 1997, Daewoo Motors, now Tata Daewoo, bought a majority stake from the Ssangyong Group, with the intention of selling it again in 2000, as it itself was mired in deep financial problems. At the end in 2004, the Chinese automaker SAIC acquired a 51% stake in Sang Yong.
Modernity
In 2010, General Motors signed an agreement with Sang Yong to supply new vehicles, (namely Rodius, Chairman W and Chairman H), in exchange for an investment of $ 17.6 million in the still recovering from bankruptcy.
In April 2010, the brand's management announced that several local and foreign companies had expressed interest in acquiring the business, which resulted in a 15% increase in its share price. In August of the same year, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited won the auction and acquired SsangYong for $ 4.8 billion.
The lineup
Crossover Korando
In 1954, Ha Dong-hwan Motor Co. was founded in Korea. She was engaged in the production of vehicles for commercial use: buses, trucks, special purpose vehicles.
1967 - Partnership with Shinjin jeep Motor Co., Ltd. Export (Vietnam) with large-capacity buses (for the first time in South Korea).
1974 - Ha Dong-hwan Motor Co., Ltd. becomes a major co-owner of Shinjin jeep Motor Co., Ltd. Off-road vehicles with hard and soft top are being developed.
1977 - Ha Dong-hwan Motor Co., Ltd. changes its name to Donga Motor Co., Ltd. Development of 4, 5 and 6 passenger jeep models with diesel engines
1980 - Donga Motor Co. is part of the "National Defense Industry" of South Korea.
1982 - Donga Motor Co. begins to develop dump trucks.
1983 Donga Motor Co. acquires the trademark "KORANDO" from Geohwa Co., Ltd.
1984 Donga Motor Co. takes over Geohwa Co., Ltd.
1986 Started exporting KORANDO to Japan. Ssang Yong GROUP becomes co-owner of Donga Motor Co.
1988 - Rebranding of Donga Motor Co. From now on, all cars are produced under the Ssang Yong brand, and the company itself is called Ssang Yong Motors Co. The all-wheel drive off-road vehicles Korando Family, based on the Isuzu Trooper, are on sale.
Also in 1988, Ssang Yong acquired the British firm Panther and in 1991 began production of the two-seater Kallista roadster designed by that firm.
In 1992, a strategic cooperation agreement was signed with Mercedes-Benz AG on the development of gasoline engines.
1993 Mercedes-Benz AG becomes a shareholder in Ssang Yong Motors. Ssang Yong Motors and Mercedes-Benz AG have entered into a technical alliance for the development of passenger cars. Since that time, all cars have been produced using design solutions, technologies and under the supervision of Mercedes-Benz AG.
Also in 1993, the stylish and comfortable Musso SUV appeared, which was equipped with engines under license from Mercedes-Benz.
1994 - The appearance of the Ssang Yong TRANSSTAR model
In 1995, the export of Ssang Yong vehicles to Europe began. The first small-sized commercial vehicles Istana.
1996 - Ssang Yong Motors, the first in Korea, certifies the entire model range to ISO standards. The new Ssang Yong KORANDO NEW model is presented.
In 1997, the Chairman, a luxury executive car based on the Mercedes-Benz W124 / E320, was introduced to the market.
In 1998, Daewoo Group acquired Ssang Yong, after which the models began to be produced under by Daewoo and the Ssang Yong brand itself practically disappeared from cars after the 1999 model year.
In 2000, financial problems of Daewoo again led Ssang Yong to independence.
In 2001, the new comfortable premium SUV Rexton debuted.
In 2002, the functional sports pickup Ssang Yong Musso Sports was released.
In 2003, the luxurious New Chairman and the reliable New Rexton SUV were presented to the public. The versatile new Rodius series is launched.
In 2004, the release of a new model Ssang Yong Rodius begins - 11 local macro van.
2005 debut of SSANGYONG KYRON.
2006 debut of SSANGYONG ACTYON.
Today the company is deservedly considered a leader among manufacturers of Korean four-wheel drive vehicles... Continuous development in the field of automotive industry, implementation of innovations, as well as constant high quality made Ssang Yong one of the most prestigious Korean brands. The company is dynamically developing and is actively introducing its model range to the international market, where a special place is occupied by the recognized "hits" of sales - cars Rexton, Musso Sports and Rodius.
