Company Profile

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.

KGM’s existence is a history of frontiers crossed and challenges met to achieve a better future. As a premier manufacturer in Korea’s automotive industry, KGM is respected for its advanced styling and outstanding performance since its foundation in 1954, made possible by the company’s quality engineering.

The company entered the era of four-wheel drive vehicles in the 1980s by independently developing Musso and Korando. After 2000, KGM established itself as the leader of SUVs by building a full line of commercial and passenger SUVs comprising Rexton, Korando, Actyon Sports, Tivoli and XLV.

By implementing global and customer-oriented management, KGM is expanding its presence in the world market. The company exports its SUVs through some 1,645 sales outlets in over 126 countries, and is actively expanding its global presence by establishing distribution in most major international markets. To secure sustainable growth, KGM will not only focus on existing and mature markets but also develop emerging markets such as Central America, Eastern Europe and even target India and China, the world’s largest automobile market.

Pursuing only the best, KGM is increasing its efforts to develop new designs and technologies that can achieve high driving performance and reflect the company’s true identity. Moreover, by fully capitalising on its strong SUV product range and harnessing modern innovations in hybrid and EV technology, KGM will be able to strengthen its position as a competitive SUV maker.