Our history
SsangYong Motor (KGM) is Korea's oldest automotive manufacturer, and respected for its rugged build quality, reliability and outstanding performance since its foundation in 1954, made possible by the company's quality engineering.
Over the 70-year proud history, the brand has remained focused on delivering quality-built vehicles, at a fair price.
KGM has built four-wheel drives since its inception, producing specialist vehicles for clients ranging from the US Army to emergency services. It has used that expertise to craft a range of award-winning 4x4 vehicles such as the Musso and Korando. Since 2000, KGM established itself as the Korean SUV leader, building a full line of vehicles comprising Rexton, Korando and Musso.
KGM has led the advancement of eco-friendly diesel technology through the development of an advanced, world-class common rail engine. The company continues to concentrate its efforts in strengthening its global competitive edge by producing small, environmentally friendly engines that conform to the strict Euro 6 emissions standard.
Moreover, as part of sustainable management and to secure future growth, the company is focusing its resources on the research and development of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles and new futuristic technologies that employ core technologies of the fourth industrial revolution.
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 160 countries and is actively expanding its global presence by establishing distribution in most major international markets.
KGM's history in Australia dates back to the mid-nineties when the brand was first introduced to the Aussie market. And has been operating in Australia as a factory owned and backed operation since 2018, with the National Head Office and National Parts Distribution Centre, all right here in Melbourne.
In 2022, the Korean industrial company 'KG Group' made a big investment in the SsangYong Motor Company, becoming the majority owner and looking to take the brand, into the future.
What hasn't changed is their focus on producing quality-built SUVs and utes, at a fair price backed by their legendary 7-year unlimited KM warranty, that includes commercial use. That's what makes KGM a perfect fit the Aussie market.
1954
KGM 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.
1974
Co-founded Shinjin Jeep and developed both hard and soft top Jeeps.
1977
In 1977 the company, known at the time as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor Co, changed its name to Dong A Motor Co Ltd.
1984
In 1984 KGM acquired Geohwa Co and took over the name Korando, a contraction of the motto 'Korean Can Do'.
1986
In 1986 the SsangYong Group acquired the company and subsequently all vehicles were given the SsangYong name.
1991
In 1991 KGM formed a powerful partnership with Daimler-Benz. This allowed KGM to develop products using Mercedes-Benz technology.
1993
The first vehicle launched using Mercedes technology was the large SUV the KGM Musso.
1996
The 'new' Korando was launched to complement the KGM Musso and featured several engine options including both petrol and diesel.
1997
Daewoo bought a majority stake in KGM and subsequently vehicles such as Korando were sold as the Daewoo until 2001.
2001
The first generation of Rexton was launched using technology from Mercedes-Benz - Rexton furthered KGM's reputation for producing competent off-roaders.
2004
In 2004 KGM merged with Chinese Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). 2004 also saw the company launch a large 7 seat MPV for the first time with Stavic.
2011
Mumbai based Mahindra Motor Co, India's largest maker of utility vehicles acquired KGM. 2011 also launched the 3rd generation Korando, KGM's first monocoque and uses a new 2.0L home developed diesel engine.
2014
Rexton W reached the UK in early 2014 with an all new look and now well proven KGM 2.0 litre diesel engine. Rexton W is set to build on its predecessor's reputation as a tough, no-nonsense off-roader and tow-car.
2015
2015 is an exciting year for KGM with the launch of Tivoli, a small crossover vehicle, in June. Engineered in conjunction with Mahindra and powered by an all-new KGM 1.6L engine, Tivoli is the basis for KGM's future.
2018
The KGM SIV-2 (Smart Interface Vehicle) is a midsize premium SUV development concept. It is the next iteration on from the SIV-1 showcased at Geneva, and takes a step further under the design concept of 'Dynamic Motion'.
2018
In November 2018 the company opened its first full factory subsidiary, KGM Australia, recognising the importance of the local market.
2022
South Korean chemical and steel company KG Group acquires SsangYong Motor Company in June 2022 and renames it KG Mobility.
2024
The KGM Musso XLV wins Drive Car of the year Best Dual Cab Ute Under 50k
2024
Here in Australia, and in more than 100 countries around the world, SsangYong rebrands to KGM, retaining the iconic winged logo as a nod to its proud heritage.
2024
2024 sees the launch of the all-new Torres SUV, the highly anticipated full-sized medium SUV with enviable interior and boot space.
2025
The KGM Musso XLV wins Drive Car of the year Best Dual Cab Ute Under 50k - again!
Disclaimers
EV charging times are based on KGM HQ testing, actual charge times will be dependent on charging conditions, including home charging type, condition and battery temperature. Before using these products at home, consult with a licensed electrician to ensure your home electrical system can support the use.
Driving range figures based on WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) static laboratory combined average city and highway cycle test, which measure, energy consumption, range and emissions in passenger vehicles, designed to provide figures closer to real-world driving behaviour. Real life driving results will vary depending on a combination of driving style, type of journey, vehicle configuration, battery age and condition, use of vehicle features (such as heating and air conditioning), as well as operating, environmental and climate conditions.
* Source: Australian Design Rule 81/02 fuel consumption figures are obtained from standard dynomometer test conducted under laboratory conditions. Actual on-road fuel consumption will depend on factors such as traffic conditions, vehicle condition and load, and driving behaviour. ADR 81/02 test results enable vehicle comparisions only.
The material on this web site is for informational purposes only. SsangYong Australia Pty Ltd ('SsangYong') endeavours to keep the information on this site as accurate and as up-to-date as possible, however, to the full extent permitted by law, SsangYong makes no warranty or representation, endorsement, express or implied, as to the reliability, completeness or accuracy of the information, nor does it accept any liability resulting from the access of this site and reliance upon its contents of information (including the software operating in connection with the Website). SsangYong reserves the right to change the information including but not limited to the models, prices, colours, materials, equipment and other specifications at any time without prior notice. Always consult your SsangYong dealer for the latest information about SsangYong products including availability. SsangYong makes no warranty and takes no liability for any web sites maintained or controlled by other entities which are or may become linked to or from this site. All information on this site is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights. You may not use any copyrighted information (including images, text, trademarks) on this site without the prior written approval of SsangYong.
