MAHINDRA SA TO DISTRIBUTE SSANGYONG

Two years ago the Mahindra Group of India bought 75% of Ssangyong Motors from South Korea. The specialist SUV producer was just adding to its growing portfolio of SUV vehicles since Ssangyong is similarly a specialist. Now Mahindra South Africa has announced it will distribute all Ssangyong products from this moment forward.

Over the past 16 years Ssangyong has been distributing its products in Mzansi through the Imperial Group, and has sold over 8000 units in the process, or an average of 41 vehicles a month for that period. With Mahindra’s support and new products coming in, that number is expected to increase over the next few years.

“We know that healthy dealers are vital to the wellbeing of a brand,” explained Mahindra SA CEO, Ashok Thakur.  “We have 42 Mahindra dealers, and expect to sign another 10 in the course of this year. Already, 15 of these dealers have set up outlets to sell SsangYong vehicles and we plan to double the number of the brand’s dealers in the next six months.”

Mahindra launched the XUV5oo last year and says it’s become an instant hit in South Africa. Ssangyong on the other hand, really doesn’t have much to offer at the moment, although a new Actyon Sport is possible, as well as new Korando and Rexton models. More info will be forthcoming at the end of April. The company showed off the XIV-2 Convertible Crossover Concept (pictured) at the recent 2012 Geneva International Motor Show. Looks like Range Rover Evoque has some competition from Ssangyong…