South Korean manufacturer, dealing mainly with cross-country vehicles. The history of the brand began in 1954, with the founding in Seoul (where to this day its headquarters is located) of the company Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop. She was involved in the creation of classic Jeep SUVs 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 the need for such vehicles was great.
As you know, companies thrive on military orders. So it happened with Hadonghwan. Over time, the range of products was expanded and civil engineering. 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 manufactured products is gradually expanding - fire trucks, buses and much more appear. In 1977 it changed its name again. This time on Donga Motor Co., Ltd. Efforts are being made to enter the international market. The products for export at that time were buses.
Takeover in 1983 Geohwa Motors, which was engaged in the production of SUVs under the brand Korando. It was with the acquisition of this brand that a new stage in the history began. ssangyong. The company begins active development in the direction of creating cars with increased cross-country ability and increased comfort. New model introduced in 1986 Korando, on which it was possible to "leave" the market of "SUVs". The first "blow" was taken by the Japanese market, and two years later, exports to European markets began.
In 1987, the British company was acquired Panther Car Co., UKmanufacturer of 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 changed its name once again, this time to Ssang Yong 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 technology of a German manufacturer.
SsangYong Chairman |
1997 was marked by the appearance of the first passenger car of the Korean company - an exclusive chairman, based on the Mercedes E-class. However, it all ended there, it was not possible to expand the lineup of "passenger cars". One of the reasons for this was the crisis that broke out in Korea at the end of 1997. The result of the crisis salo 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 last too long - in 2004 ssangyong re-influenced. This time a Chinese corporation SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation). Which successfully brought him to bankruptcy in 2008. By the way, the case was rather muddy - according to many, SAIC did this on purpose, because of the difficult relationship with the Korean trade 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 ssangyong, left with only 10% shares. And the Korean company received independence through the court and the opportunity to restructure production.
SsangYong Action Sport |
But it wasn't destined to be long ssangyong exist in a new role. They started looking at him Renault-Nissan и Mahindra&Mahindra from India. Were not against grabbing this tidbit and Hyundai with Samsung Motors. But as a result, it was decided to choose the Indians.