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Ssangyong plans twenty new models in five years
By Yoann Besnard on 21 April 2008 | 
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The Korean carmaker has announced plans for an unprecedented raft of new models due for production over the next few years.
From 2009 through to 2014, SsangYong will invest more than €1.9 billion/£1.5 billion in 20 new models based on five different platforms, with five new engines and with monocoque construction. It’s possible that world-famous Italian styling house, Italdesign, founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro, will be involved, having already styled the latest Rexton model.
SsangYong’s new diesel hybrid technology, unveiled at last month’s Geneva Motor Show, is likely to feature in the new model line-up. The South Korean company says that a diesel hybrid can slash CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency by 30 per cent.
Paul Williams, managing director of British distributor Koelliker UK said: “I have been able to see some of the new models and although I can’t reveal any details, I’m very excited about what’s coming. It’s unlikely that all 20 will be appropriate for the UK, but it will mean a wider and more attractive range with much greater choice for customers. There will be different body styles and engines including passenger cars that will enable us to compete strongly in new market sectors.”
In the UK SsangYong is best known for building vehicles with a bold desgin: the Kyron, Rexton and Rodius. Just weeks ago, SsangYong launched a new luxury car , the Chairman, as a direct competitor to BMW and Mercedes in the South Korean market.
