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Manage your KGM SsangYong

Our history

SsangYong Motor is Korea’s oldest automotive manufacturer, and respected for its rugged build quality, reliability and outstanding performance since its foundation in 1954, made possible by the company’s quality engineering.

Over the 70-year proud history, the brand has remained focused on delivering quality-built vehicles, at a fair price.

SsangYong has built four-wheel drives since its inception, producing specialist vehicles for clients ranging from the US Army to emergency services. It has used that expertise to craft a range of award-winning 4x4 vehicles such as the Musso and Korando. Since 2000, SsangYong established itself as the Korean SUV leader, building a full line of vehicles comprising Rexton, Korando and Musso.

SsangYong Motor has led the advancement of eco-friendly diesel technology through the development of an advanced, world-class common rail engine. The company continues to concentrate its efforts in strengthening its global competitive edge by producing small, environmentally friendly engines that conform to the strict Euro 6 emissions standard.

Moreover, as part of sustainable management and to secure future growth, the company is focusing its resources on the research and development of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles and new futuristic technologies that employ core technologies of the fourth industrial revolution.

By implementing global and customer-oriented management, SsangYong Motor is expanding its presence in the world market. The company exports its SUVs through some 1,645 sales outlets in over 160 countries and is actively expanding its global presence by establishing distribution in most major international markets.

SsangYong’s history in Australia dates back to the mid-nineties when the brand was first introduced to the Aussie market. And has been operating in Australia as a factory owned and backed operation since 2018, with the National Head Office and National Parts Distribution Centre, all right here in Melbourne.

In 2022, the Korean industrial company ‘KG Group’ made a big investment in the SsangYong Motor Company, becoming the majority owner and looking to take the brand, into the future.

That’s why, here in Australia, and around the world, SsangYong is rebranding to KGM. Retaining the iconic winged logo as a nod to its proud heritage, the KGM brand now looks like this.

What hasn’t changed is their focus on producing quality-built SUVs and utes, at a fair price backed by their legendary 7-year unlimited KM warranty, that includes commercial use. That’s what makes KGM a perfect fit the Aussie market.

1954

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.

1974

Co-founded Shinjin Jeep and developed both hard and soft top Jeeps.

1977

In 1977 the company, known at the time as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor Co changed its name to Dong A Motor Co Ltd.

1984

In 1984 SsangYong acquired Geohwa Co and took over the name Korando, a contraction of the motto “Korean Can Do”

1986

In 1986 the SsangYong Group acquired the company and subsequently all vehicles were given the SsangYong name.

1991

In 1991 SsangYong formed a powerful partnership with Daimler-Benz. This allowed SsangYong to develop products using Mercedes-Benz technology.

1993

The first vehicle launched using Mercedes technology was the large SUV the SsangYong Musso.

1996

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

The first generation of Rexton was launched using technology from Mercedes-Benz - Rexton furthered SsangYong’s reputation for producing competent off-roaders.

2004

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 Stavic.

2011

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.

2014

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

2015 is an exciting year for SsangYong with the launch of Tivoli, a small crossover vehicle, in June. Engineered in conjunction with Mahindra and powered by an all-new SsangYong 1.6L engine, Tivoli is the basis for SsangYong’s future.

2018

The SsangYong SIV-2 (Smart Interface Vehicle) is a midsize premium SUV development concept. It is the next iteration on from the SIV-1 showcased at Geneva, and takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.