SsangYong Motor Company or SsangYong Motor is a South Korean automaker. The name translated means “Pair of Dragons”. Since 2011, 70% of the company's shares have been owned by Indian Mahindra & Mahindra Limited. The entire Sang Yong model range.
Story
The company originally emerged as two individual companies: Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop and Dongbang Motor Co. In mid-1963, the two companies merged to form Ha Dong-hwan Motor Co.
Since 1964, Hadonghwan has produced 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 company was absorbed 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, technological cooperation with Daimler-Benz began. The agreement was necessary for Sang Yong to develop a modern SUV on par with Mercedes-Benz.
It was hoped that this would allow production to gain a foothold in new markets without having to build its own infrastructure, but rather use existing Mercedes-Benz networks. This union led to the emergence SsangYong models Musso, sold first by Mercedes-Benz and later by Sang Yong.
Sang Yong benefited from this alliance for a long time - even after Daimler-Benz stopped selling the Musso brand, it continued to produce the Istana model, based on the Mercedes-Benz MB100. In addition, Daimler developments were used in many other models, including the second generation Korando, Rexton, Chairman H and Sang Yong Kyron price from 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 goal of selling it again in 2000 because it was itself mired in deep financial problems. At the end in 2004, Chinese automaker SAIC acquired 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 a $17.6 million investment in the still-recovering company.
In April 2010, the brand's management reported that several local and foreign companies had expressed interest in acquiring the company, which led to a 15% increase in its share price. In August of the same year, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited won the bid and acquired SsangYong for US$4.8 billion.
The lineup
Crossover Korando
The history of the brand began in 1954, when the Ha-Dong hwan company was founded in South Korea. Motor Company. 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 became known as Dong-A Motor. And in 1979, its own plant was built in the city of Pyongtek. The result active work To promote products on the world market, the export of buses to Libya began in the mid-80s.
In 1984, the company changed its name to SsangYong Group. Translated from Korean SsangYong means "two dragons".
In 1986, the company acquired Keohwa Motors, which produced SUVs under the Korando brand. The updated all-wheel drive Korando Family model, released two years later, gained great popularity.
The turning point in the history of the brand happened in 1991, when the German Mercedes-Benz concern 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 the . Mercedes gasoline and diesel engines, 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 a new brand. However, in 2000, Daewoo itself began to experience financial difficulties. This two-year respite was enough for SsangYong to regain independence.
A 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 purchased by the Chinese state corporation SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation). And in 2006, two new models debuted: and a pickup truck Actyon Sports, built on its basis.
On car showroom"Paris 2012" SsangYong presented the concept of its first electric car - eXIV. The new product 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 ancient Korean legend. It says that once upon a time, two dragon brothers dreamed of living in the paradise gardens of the heavenly country. But in order to get into it, each of them needed the magic stone “Tsintamani”, which the twins had one between them. For a thousand years, dragons begged each other to take the magic stone and fly to the cherished land. But no one agreed. The Heavenly Emperor was amazed by the generosity of the brothers and gave them another Tsintamani so that they could go together towards their dream.
The Rodius/Stavic model released in 2004 is a popular British car show. Top Gear awarded the title of "the ugliest car ever."
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine purchased cars in 2009 SsangYong Actyon. The total cost of the purchase is 500 thousand dollars. Now Ukrainian police officers patrol the streets in Korean SUVs with engines Mercedes power in 150 l. With.
SsangYong in Russia
Today in Russia there are following models SUV companies: 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 Rexton model a dealer in Russia asks from 1 million to 1 million 400 thousand rubles.
The most popular model in Europe - Musso, in Russia it did not gain popularity. Low ground clearance, poor corrosion resistance of the body and insufficient reliability are too soft suspension did not satisfy the needs of Russian motorists.
Sales statistics Korean manufacturer in Russia is improving every year. So in 2011, 13,000 cars were sold, in 2012 - about 20,000. soon the company intends to continue this trend and reach the mark of 30,000 cars per year.
Earned in 2009 new plant Sollers assembles SsangYong cars in the Far East, which produces four models of SUVs. In 2011, 25,000 thousand cars were assembled, and in 2012, almost 30,000 thousand cars were assembled.
SsangYong's immediate plans include the construction of its own plant for large-scale assembly.
South Korean manufacturer primarily involved in automobiles off-road. The history of the brand began in 1954, with the founding of the company in Seoul (where its headquarters is still located to this day). Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop. She was creating classic SUVs Jeep and trucks for American soldiers. Only a year had passed since the end of the Korean War, there were plenty of American troops in South Korea and there was a great need for such cars.
As you know, companies thrive on military orders. This happened with Hadonghwan. Over time, the range of products was expanded and civilian equipment. In 1963, as a result of a merger with Dongbang Motor Co., Ltd.(founded in 1962), it changes its name to Ha Dong-hwan Motor Co.,Ltd,
The company is growing rapidly. The range of products is gradually expanding - fire trucks, buses and much more are appearing. In 1977, it changed its name again. This time on Donga Motor Co., Ltd. Attempts to enter the international market are beginning to be made. Products for export at that time were buses.
In 1983 there was a takeover Geohwa Motors, which was engaged in the production of SUVs under the brand Korando. It was with the acquisition of this brand that the new stage in history SsangYong. The company starts active development precisely in the direction of creating off-road vehicles and increased comfort. New model introduced in 1986 Korando, on which we managed to “enter” the SUV market. The first “blow” took Japanese market, and two years later exports to European markets began.
In 1987 it was acquired British company PANTHER CAR Co., UK, which produced sports cars Kallista, which eventually became known as SsangYong Kallista. They were produced until 1993. A total of 78 pieces were produced.
In 1988, the company once again changed 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 reached with Mercedes, as a result of which the products SsangYong got the opportunity to use the technologies of the German manufacturer.
The year 1997 was marked by the appearance of the first passenger car of the Korean company - an exclusive Chairman, which was based on Mercedes E-class. However, that's where it all ended, expand the lineup“passenger cars” did not work out. One of the reasons for this was the crisis that broke out in Korea at the end of 1997. The result of the crisis is fat entry SsangYong with composition Daewoo Motors. However, not for long - in 2000 the company regained its independence, since it was now Daewoo was experiencing serious problems.
The renaissance that began in 2001 did not last too long - in 2004 SsangYong falls under the influence again. This time Chinese corporation SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation). Which successfully brought him to bankruptcy in 2008. By the way, the matter was quite murky - according to many, SAIC specifically did this due to difficult relations with Korean trade unions, which demanded improved 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 the acquisition of a brand Volvo. However, be that as it may, but in the end SAIC almost completely lost control of SsangYong, left with only 10% of the shares. And the Korean company received independence through the court and the opportunity to restructure production.
SsangYong Motor Company is a South Korean auto manufacturer (passenger cars) with headquarters located in Seoul. Sang Yong translated into Russian means “two dragons”; the company ranks third among Korean automakers in terms of the number of cars sold.
The official founding date of the history of the SsangYong company is considered to be October 1954; at the time of its inception, the company received the name Hadonghwan Motor Company. The automaker's first products were licensed Willys ( army SUVs) supplied to the army South Korea. Thanks to constant orders from the military, the Sanyeng company (there are also transcriptions Sang Yong, Saneng or Ssangyong) quickly achieved financial success and gradually expanded the range of manufactured equipment. In the 60-70s, the company managed to launch the production of trucks, buses and special-purpose equipment.
In 1967, through a partnership with Shinjin jeep Motor Co., Ltd. contracts are concluded for the supply of buses to Vietnam.
In 1974, Hadonghwan Motor Company became a co-owner of Motor Shinjin jeep.
In 1976, the company changed its name to Dong-A Motor. Development of new SUVs designed to transport 4-6 people using diesel engines is underway.
In 1979, a new automobile assembly plant was opened in the city of Pyongtaek.
In 1983, purchase trademark"Korando" from Co., Ltd Geohwa with subsequent takeover of Geohwa.
In 1986, Dong-A Motor came under the control of Ssangyong Business Group, and in 1988 it received its current name SsangYong Motor. The Korando Family appears in the lineup - created on the platform of the Japanese Isuzu Trooper.
In 1991, SsangYong enterprises entered into an agreement on technical cooperation with Mercedes-Benz AG (development of new gasoline engines).
In 1993 Mercedes-Benz AG became one of the main shareholders Ssang Yong Motors, the second co-owner is the Chinese company SAIC Motor. Mercedes AG and Sanyeng Motors enter into a technical union. At this stage in the history of the Sang Yong company, all cars are produced under the control of representatives of Mercedes-Benz.
IN SsangYong cars engines, gearboxes and many of the design solutions and technologies of the German auto industry giant are used. Launch of production of the SsangYong Musso SUV.
Sales begin in 1995 Korean cars Sang Yong in Europe, model Istana becomes the first child - exact copy Mercedes-Benz minibus MB 100, produced from 1988 to 1995.
In 1996, the new Korando appeared, the company certifies its products according to international ISO standards.
In 1997, Sanyeng appeared in the lineup executive sedan Chairman, built on the basis of the Mercedes-Benz W124.
In 1998, the company came under the control of the Daewoo Group, but not for long. Two years later, in 2000, Ssang Yong was again an independent structure.
In 2001, production of the new Rexton off-road product began.
Launched in 2002 mass production SsangYong Musso Sports pickup truck.
In 2003, a new generation of the Chairman sedan and the Rodius minivan appeared with a design that caused a lot of controversy.
Debuts in 2005 SUV SsangYong Kyron.
In 2006, another new product from Sang Yong Actyon.
In 2008, the premiere of the first crossover in the SsangYong lineup - the C200 Concept (only two years later, having changed its name to Korando, would the car reach buyers). In the same year, the company's management declared bankruptcy; after restructuring, the company was put up for sale. On August 12, 2012, SsangYong Motor was acquired by the Indian concern Mahindra & Mahindra Limited.
Sanyeng SUV production for Russian buyers carried out at Sollers factories in Naberezhnye Chelny and Vladivostok.
Today, Ssang Yong cars are in steady demand in Russia and the CIS countries. The following models of the Korean-Indian manufacturer are available in Russian car dealerships: Actyon, Kyron, Rexton and the Actyon Sport pickup truck.
Ukrainian buyers have access to Korando (twin of the Russian Actyon), Actyon and Actyon Sports, New Actyon Sports, New Kyron and Rexton II. Perhaps soon to Korean SUVs, sold in the post-Soviet space, executive SsangYong sedans will be added.
In 1954, the Korean company Handongwan Motor Company was founded, which in 1984 changed its name to SsangYong Group. The company's first products were cheap buses, which gained enormous popularity in many countries around the world. Production begins in 1967 passenger cars, which allowed Handogwan to make high profits. However, the construction of a new plant and the creation of its own technology center did not affect the development of the company's model range.
However, the new starting point was 1986, when “ SsangYong"acquired the company" Keohwa", which specialized in the production of off-road vehicles. So in 1988 the compact SUV SsangYong Korando, equipped with a 2.9-liter diesel power unit with a capacity of 98 Horse power.
Thanks to this model, the Korean company came into the spotlight German concern Daimler, who hastened to enter into a strategic partnership with a promising automaker, which led to the transition " SsangYong» for the use of technologies and production units « Mercedes Benz" The first of these vehicles, the SUV, was introduced in 1993. SsangYong Musso, equipped diesel engines Daimler, with a capacity of 77 and 120 horsepower. In addition, thanks to the German company, there was no longer a need to promote the Korean brand in new automobile markets; dealer networks were used “ Mercedes" And " Daewoo", which significantly increased the production of this model, and " SsangYong“With each subsequent year, I updated my personal record for profit received.
In 1994, a plant for the production of power units was put into operation, where all key management positions were occupied by engineers. Daimler" It was this decision that made it possible to produce a large batch minibuses SsangYong Istana, known on automotive market Europe as Mercedes-Benz MB100. In 1996, the second generation of Korando was introduced, which became widespread in the automotive market of the Asian region due to its low price.
Despite the successes, the financial crisis of 1997 hit hard SsangYong» due to the protracted and expensive modernization of the entire production process. As a result, the controlling stake was purchased by one of largest automakers South Korea - " Daewoo", which did not affect further cooperation with the concern " Daimler", who continued to participate in the development of automobiles SsangYong.
In the same year, the first and only non- off-road vehicle brand, called Chairman. Under the hood is a six-cylinder power unit from Mercedes-Benz S-Class , and a slightly updated chassis was chosen as the platform Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
In 2000, due to the difficult situation of Daewoo, all shares SsangYong"were bought out by its management, which allowed the automaker to gain independence. In the same year, all were updated current models brand, and a year later a new one was introduced flagship car brands - full size SUV SsangYong Rexton , built on the basis Mercedes-Benz ML-Class . Under the hood is a 3.5 liter petrol power unit from " Daimler ».
In 2002, it was decided to open a technology center " SsangYong" in China, which led to the release SsangYong Musso Sports- frame pickup. And in next year two were slightly restyled top models companies Chairman And Rexton who received new design from a renowned company ItalDesign" At the end of 2005, production began at the ZMA plant in Naberezhnye Chelny, owned by the Severstal-auto company (Sollers brand). Rexton SUVs. Starting from the end of 2006, the plant began assembling the Ssang Yong Kyron, and then the Ssang Yong Actyon. In 2006, a large Chinese conglomerate SAIC» bought 49% of the shares of the Korean automaker, which led to the release of the brand’s first crossover SsangYong Actyon.
However, serious miscalculations in the company’s development strategy led to the fact that in 2008 “ SsangYong» began bankruptcy proceedings, which led to the closure of the brand’s factories until 2009.
From December 2009 models SsangYong are also produced in the Far East. The total investment in this project amounted to 5 billion rubles. Since 2010, the South Korean automaker SsangYong Motor has owned Indian company Mahindra & Mahindra.
In 2010 Daimler concern, through an Indian company " Mahindra" bought back 70% of the shares " SsangYong" Such a lengthy procedure was caused by the fact that the South Korean government prevented the direct sale of the company, fearing foreign expansion in automotive industry countries. However, after a long lull, a solution was found. Production has resumed and engineers Korean brand began work on new models, while simultaneously completely updating the current model range in 2011.
Also in 2010, Korando appeared on the market - a compact Korean crossover with front or all-wheel drive, famous on Russian market under the name New Actyon. The European premiere of the crossover took place in 2010 at the Moscow Motor Show.
Korando became the first SUV that SsangYong equipped with a monocoque body. The legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro had a hand in the design of the car. As a result, the Korando's appearance has become more European, sporting two interior color schemes and seven exterior color options.
In 2014 in Russia, according to the Association European business, 25,010 SsangYong cars were sold (-27% compared to 2013), of which about 20,000 units. were released in Russia.
In March 2015 SsangYong company suspended exports to Russia finished cars, as well as vehicle kits, which are assembled in the Russian Far East, under the pretext of the instability of the ruble exchange rate and the market situation. The Vladivostok plant continues to assemble from previously supplied kits.
