The story of Ssangyong
1954 Ha Dong Hwan Motor workshop
SsangYong was initially established as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954. The company initially started producing trucks, buses and special purpose vehicles many of them for export.
1974
Co-founded Shinjin Jeep and developed both hard and soft top Jeeps.
1977 Dong-A-Motor
In 1977 the company, known at the time as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor Co changed its name to Dong A Motor Co Ltd.
1984 Acquired Geohwa
In 1984 SsangYong took over Geohwa Co and took over the name Korando, a contraction of the motto "Korean Can Do".
1986 SsangYong
In 1986 the SsangYong Group acquired the company and subsequently all vehicles were given the SsangYong name.
1991 Mercedes Benz partnership
In 1991 SsangYong formed a powerful partnership with Daimler-Benz. This allowed SsangYong to develop products using Mercedes-Benz technology.
1994 Musso
SsangYong officially entered the UK market with the launch of the Musso SUV, the first vehicle using Mercedes technology.
1996 Korando 2
The 'new' Korando was launched to compliment the SsangYong Musso and featured several engine options including both petrol and diesel.
1997
Daewoo bought a majority stake in SsangYong and subsequently vehicles such as Korando were sold as the Daewoo until 2001.
2001 Rexton
The first generation of Rexton was launched using technology from Mercedes-Benz - Rexton furthered SsangYong's reputation for producing competent off-roaders.
2004 SAIC, Rodius
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.
2011 Bassadone Automotive Group
In the UK, the brand is represented by European automotive distributor, Bassadone Automotive Group, based in Gibraltar.
2011 Mahindra & Mahindra, Korando 3
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.
2012 Korando Sports
Launch of Korando Sports which brings a new level of refinement to the pick-up market.
2013 Turismo
Launch of Turismo, a much updated and improved version of the Rodius now with the 2.0L diesel engine and contemporary styling.
2014 Rexton W
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 Tivoli
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!
2016 Tivoli XLV
Bigger is better – Tivoli XLV features an extended body to create sector beating luggage space of 720 litres making Tivoli even more versatile
2017 Rexton
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.
2018 Musso pick-up
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.
2019 Korando
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.
2020 Tivoli
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.
2020 Musso Rhino LWB
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.
2021 New Rexton
The multi-award winning Rexton is more striking than ever thanks to a facelift including its new grille. A new powertrain and gearbox provide more power and better efficiency whilst maintaining its 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 7 seat configuration.
2021 New Musso
Musso receives an aggressive facelift that commands road presence. Still boasting the best towing and load carrying stats of any pick-up, the Musso powers into the UK market and continues to pick up awards.