Ssangyong’s presence in the UK has been secured after a fresh investment into the Korean marque’s UK importer.
Gibraltar-based Bassadone Automotive Group has acquired Ssangyong’s previous importer Koelliker UK. Its plans include an expansion of the current dealer network from 50 to 65 and ambitious new sales targets.
Earlier in the year Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra bought a 70 per cent stake in the carmaker, which had been facing liquidation in its native South Korea.
The first car to be distributed in the UK by the new importer will be the Korando SUV. It will be available with a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel engine with a choice of two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and with both manual and automatic transmissions. Prices are expected to range from below £17,000 to around £23,000.
The new company will also begin imports of the 2012 versions of the Rexton 2 and Rodius in the next few weeks.
Both cars will be powered by a five-cylinder 2.7-litre diesel engine. Prices for the Rexton 2 range from £19,995 to £23,995, while the Rodius will cost between £14,995 and £20,995.
Ssangyong’s exhibits at the Frankfurt motor show in September have yet to be confirmed, but it is expected that the company will showcase an electric vehicle as well as a road going version of the SUT1 sports utility pick up concept shown at Geneva.
Kabeer Mahajan
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