In terms of arts, South Korea would never easily get left behind. The apparent popularity of Korean entertainment and syndicated shows worldwide is rising. The thriving Korean culture is starting to get really felt globally. Even in car manufacturing technology, the country would not be outraced by just any other nation, no matter how big or small. SsangYong is one of Korean car brands that would prove how the country is ramping up its research and development efforts.
SsangYong is a car brand manufactured by SsangYong Motor Company. As a car making firm, SsangYong was established in 1954 under the name Hadonghwan Motor Company. Originally, this car firm was started up and launched to design and manufacture car orders by the United States Army. Thus, the requirements and orders of the US Army units, which are based in Asian US bases, were almost all coming from SsangYong.
That deal with the army made the company thrive for quite some time, but as the years passed by, the international security threats diminished. Possibilities of war declined significantly. On top of that, calls in countries with US bases escalated and so orders for SsangYong cars from the US Army also significantly declined. That way, the company started to feel the financial and economic crunch.
In 1976, Hadonghwan recognised the need to produce other vehicle models to cater to the ever changing needs and requirements of the global car industry. Thus, several special purpose transportation units were designed and developed by the company. A year after, changes within the company continued as symbolised by the modification of the Hadonghwan firm into Dong-A Motor.
In 1988, the firm agreed to be acquired fully by giant local conglomerate SsangYong Business Group for a significant tag price. That same year, the company's name was automatically changed into what is now called and renowned as SsangYong Motor. (Note: SsangYong in Korean language means ‘twin dragons'.)
As part of the company's continuing modification and evolution, SsangYong in 1991 began a technology alliance with global car making giant Daimler-Benz, which later changed its name into DaimlerChrysler and then back to Daimler-Benz again. As part of that evolution, the company decided to buyout the United Kingdom's specialty car producer Panther Westwinds.
SsangYong cars really rose in popularity and so has been SsangYong Motor. Fellow Korean carmaker Daewoo Motors purchased a controlling interest in the company in 1997 at the height of the Asian financial problems. In 2004, China-based Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp was able to secure a majority 51% stake in the company.
SsangYong has been able to develop and design 10 sports utility vehicles and passenger cars. There were two commercial cars, namely SY Truck and Transstar. Across the globe, the company has been very effective in ensuring quality car deals.
Overall, SsangYong is a car building program that would help people gear up towards the future. Koreans are really starting over in terms of quality and reliability of cars. If you are planning to buy a new one, you should not rule out the biggest labourer still used in the market today.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 10/06/2008
