SsangYong’s history is marked by evolution from a small workshop to a globally recognised automotive brand. It began as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954, initially producing trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles. The company merged with Dong-bang Motor Co in 1964 and later changed its name to Dong-A Motor in 1977. In 1984, it acquired Geohwa Co and the “Korando” name. The SsangYong Group acquired Dong-A Motor in 1986, leading to the brand’s official rebranding as SsangYong Motor Company.

The KG Group was founded in 1985 as a family-owned business (chaebol) and is recognized today as one of South Korea’s largest business organisations with activities ranging from chemicals to steel manufacturing as well as media production. In 2022 the KG Group acquired a 61 percent stake in SsangYong Motor, thus entering the automotive sector. As of March 2023, SsangYong Motor continues its operations as KG Mobility. Following the acquisition, KGM will replace the previous brand name globally. The new brand also means a new appearance, but KGM cars will retain the distinctive logo featuring two dragons, thereby combining the heritage of the past with forward-thinking solutions.

Our History

1954

SsangYong was initially established as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954. The company initially started producing trucks, buses, and special purpose vehicles, many of them for export.

1984

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

1986

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

1993

The first vehicle using Mercedes technology was launched, a full sized SUV. The first generation SsangYong Musso is born.

1997

The Chairman CM was a luxurious full sized saloon based on Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class W124 platform. The launch of an F segment sedan for the then mid-sized company was of great significance.

2004

2004 saw the company launch a large 7- seater MPV for the first time with Rodius, known as the Stavic in most other markets including Singapore.

2007

Motorway SsangYong Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorway Group was appointed the sole distributor of SsangYong vehicles in Singapore.

2015

2015 is an exciting year for SsangYong with the launch of Tivoli & the XLV in 2016, as part of the crossover range. Powered by an all new in-house powertrain, Tivoli is the basis for SsangYong’s future.

2021

The Musso double-cab pickup received an aggressive facelift that commands road presence. The Musso continues to win awards thanks to its powerful engine, payload capabilities and affordability.

2022

A new era for SsangYong begins, as South Korean chemical and steel company KG Group acquires SsangYong Motor Company in June 2022 and renames it KG Mobility.

2025

In Singapore, SsangYong has been renamed to KGM, as part of its global rebranding. The iconic ‘double dragon’ logo is retained as a nod to SsangYong’s illustrious past.

2025

With KGM’s vision to embrace EV and hybrid technology, KGM Singapore begins the process of introducing the latest Torres EVX and Musso EV in the near forseeable future.