You have heard about “SsangYong“. The most famous Korean car brand. It started in 1950 with a small assembly workshop, So this company become a giant all over the world, let us learn the History Of Ssangyong Car Company in this article.
Also, we will delve into the key moments and milestones that have shaped the history of SsangYong, from its pioneering efforts in the Korean market in the 1950s and 1960s to its strategic partnerships with major international players such as Mercedes-Benz and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) in the 1990s and 2000s to its recent efforts to innovate and restructure in response to changing market demands.
History Of Ssangyong Car Company
1951 – 1960 Korean market
To get to the origins of SsangYong Motor Company, we must go back to January 1954, when the first vehicle was created in the Ha-Dong-Hwan assembly workshop. This company becomes the first Korean car manufacturer.
1961 – 1970 First export
In 1962, Dongbang Motor Co. Ltd. appeared a company that joined Ha-Dong-Hwan to create Ha-Dong-Hwan Motor Co. Ltd a year later. In 1966, the company designed a bus model, the H7H R-66, exported to Brunei.
1971 – 1980 More media
In December 1972, the company was registered as a legal corporation. Two years later, it cooperated with Shinjin Jeep Motor Co. Ltd. and negotiated with AMC company to share technology.
In September ’76, he focused on manufacturing trucks, fire engines and other vehicles for specific purposes.
In February 1977, the name of the firm changed to Donga Motor Co. Ltd. In 1979 the Pyungtaek automobile production plant was completed.
1981 – 1990 Specific events
In 1983, the company obtained the Korando rights from Geohwa Co. Ltd., which Donga Motor absorbed shortly after. Three years later, SsangYong Motor Company participates in the management of Donga, where it acquires its entity by diversifying the production of commercial vehicles.
Thus, the range of models is expanded quantitatively and qualitatively, and SsangYong begins to be a key player in developing the Korean automobile industry. In June 1987, Donga took over the English manufacturer Panther Car Co. Finally, in March 1988, the firm was renamed SsangYong Motor Company. In December of that year, the Korando Family station wagon arrived.
1991 – 2000 Arrival in Spain
In 1992, SsangYong Motor Company decided to take another great leap and cross borders to commercialize its products in the Spanish market. After landing and launching his cars in 1993, he ventured into the production of the Musso.
A couple of years earlier, in 1991, he signed a technical cooperation agreement with Mercedes Benz AG, which allows the Korean brand to manufacture diesel engines and transmissions under the Mercedes license. Subsequently, in October 1992, gasoline-fueled fuels were also included. That same year, the German builder acquired 5% of the capital of SsangYong;
Korea creates its own Center for Studies, Research and Development, whose mission is to test future technologies later applicable to its models. In August 1994, the Korando Family was renewed and, in 96, the evolution of the Korando off-road vehicle. A year later, the Chairman, a luxury sedan, is launched. In January 1998, SsangYong merged with the Daewoo Group, a union that lasted until 2000.
2001 – 2009 Times of change
In 2002 the Rexton appeared, a seven-seater all-terrain vehicle. As of the following year, the Bergé Group takes over the import and distribution of the brand in Spain.
In 2004 the new Rexton and the Rodius minivan arrived; SsangYong Motor Company merged with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), which became the company’s majority shareholder.
The family of models grows with the Kyron and the Actyon (a replacement for the Musso and two bodies: one with five doors and another, pick-up type, for the Sport version).
Like the rest of the range, both are represented by the basketball player Pau Gasol, the manufacturer’s image since 2006. In December 2008, the decline in sales caused by the global financial situation forced the company to declare the suspension of payments.
SsangYong workers went on strike at the end of May 2009, but an agreement was reached after two months. Currently, the company is in full restructuring, although its viability in Spain is assured.
