Ssangyong

ssangyong
History

A brief history about ssangyong: SsangYong Motor Company is one of South Korea’s most distinctive automakers, though it entered the industry later than many of its national counterparts that began in the 1930s and 1940s. The company was originally founded in 1954 under the name Ha Dong-hwan Motor Workshop, producing military jeeps for the U.S. Army stationed in Korea after the war.

As the company expanded, it diversified its production. By 1966, Ha Dong-hwan was exporting buses to Brunei, followed by shipments to Vietnam the next year. Alongside buses, the firm developed a variety of jeeps, trucks, and special-purpose vehicles, establishing itself as a versatile commercial vehicle manufacturer.

In 1977, the company changed its name to Donga Motor Co., Ltd., signaling its ambition to modernize and grow. Just over a decade later, in 1988, it adopted the now-iconic name SsangYong, meaning “twin dragons,” a symbol of power and harmony in Korean culture. That same year, the automaker launched the first generation of the Korando, a rugged station wagon inspired by off-road utility.

A turning point came in 1992, when SsangYong signed a technical partnership with Mercedes-Benz AG to jointly develop gasoline engines. The collaboration deepened in 1993, when Mercedes acquired a 5% stake in the company, supporting the creation of new passenger vehicles. The partnership bore fruit with the introduction of the Musso SUV, followed by an updated Korando, both known for their blend of durability and European refinement.

In 1997, SsangYong entered the luxury segment with the Chairman, a sedan inspired by Mercedes-Benz platforms and technology. That same year, the financially stronger Daewoo Motor Company acquired a controlling interest in SsangYong, hoping to expand its SUV lineup. However, Daewoo’s financial collapse in 2000 led to the end of the partnership.

The early 2000s brought new ownership changes. After several negotiations with global investors, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) acquired 51% of SsangYong’s shares in 2004, ushering in a new era of Chinese investment and global ambitions. During this period, the company expanded its lineup with successful SUVs like the Rexton (2001), Rodius (2004), Kyron (2005), and Actyon (2006), solidifying its reputation for building capable, versatile vehicles suited for a wide range of markets.

Today, SsangYong remains recognized for its focus on SUVs and 4x4s, combining rugged performance with practicality, a legacy that traces back to its origins as a builder of military and utility vehicles more than seven decades ago.