Our Story
Celebrating 70 years of exploring
With 70 years of vehicle manufacturing experience, it’s no wonder KGM is growing so quickly in the metro area. From humble beginnings at the Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954, KGM continues to evolve and now leads the market with a range of award-winning vehicles. The knowledge and experience gained from over 65 years of production is the reason why every vehicle in the range comes with a comprehensive 5-year warranty.
Renowned for high build quality combined with competitive pricing, the KGM product line ranges from compact SUVs and 4x4s to pickup trucks, which need to be experienced to be truly appreciated.
TIMELINE
1954
Ha Dong Hwan Motor workshop
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
Shinjin Jeep
Co-founded Shinjin Jeep and developed both hard and soft top Jeeps.
1977
Dong-A-Motor
In 1977 the company, known at the time as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor Co changed its name to Dong A Motor Co Ltd.
1984
Geohwa
In 1984 SsangYong took over Geohwa Co and took over the name Korando, a contraction of the motto “Korean Can Do”.
1986
SsangYong
In 1986 the SsangYong Group acquired the company and subsequently all vehicles were given the SsangYong name.
1991
Mercedes Benz partnership
In 1991 SsangYong formed a powerful partnership with Daimler-Benz. This allowed SsangYong to develop products using Mercedes-Benz technology.
1994
Introduction of original Musso
SsangYong officially entered the UK market with the launch of the Musso SUV, the first vehicle using Mercedes technology.
1996
Introduction of Korando 2
The ‘new’ Korando was launched to compliment the SsangYong Musso and featured several engine options including both petrol and diesel.
1997
Daewoo Partnership
Daewoo bought a majority stake in SsangYong and subsequently vehicles such as Korando were sold as the Daewoo until 2001.
2001
Introduction of Rexton
The first generation of Rexton was launched using technology from Mercedes-Benz – Rexton furthered SsangYong’s reputation for producing competent off-roaders.
2004
Partnership with SAIC and Rodius introduction
In 2004 SsangYong merged with Chinese Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). 2004 also saw the company launch a large 7 seat MPV for the first time with Rodius.
2011
Bassadone Automotive Group
In the UK, the brand is represented by European automotive distributor, Bassadone Automotive Group, based in Gibraltar.
2011
Mahindra and Korando 3
Mumbai based Mahindra Motor Co, India’s largest maker of utility vehicles acquired SsangYong. 2011 also launched the 3rd generation Korando, SsangYong’s first monocoque and uses a new 2.0L home developed diesel engine.
2012
Launch of Korando Sports
Launch of Korando Sports which brings a new level of market refinement to the pick-up market.
2013
Launch of Turismo
Launch of Turismo, a much updated and improved version of the Rodius now with the 2.0L diesel engine and contemporary styling.
2014
Launch of Rexton W
Rexton W reached the UK in early 2014 with an all new look and now well proven SsangYong 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
Launch of Tivoli
2015 was an exciting year for SsangYong with the launch of Tivoli, a small crossover vehicle. Engineered in conjunction with Mahindra and powered by an all-new SsangYong 1.6L engine.
2015
Launch of Tivoli XLV
Bigger is better – Tivoli XLV features an extended body to create sector beating luggage space of 720 litres making Tivoli even more versatile.
2017
Launch of all-new Rexton
Replacing a flagship model is always a big event, and 2017 saw the launch of the new Rexton – the 4th generation. With 3.5 tonnes towing, space for 7, massive off-road ability and an interior of a luxury car the new Rexton took the SsangYong brand to new heights.
2018
Launch of the all-new Musso pick-up
The launch of the new Musso in 2018 completes the renewal of our complete range under Mahindra and Mahindra management – based on the new Rexton, Musso has the ability to carry over a tonne and tow 3.5 tonnes at the same time. It’s also rather refined and well appointed as you would expect for a truck based on a top of the range SUV.
2019
Launch of the new Korando
The launch of the new Korando saw our product plan come full circle with a fully modern version of our towing favourite, the Korando. An all-new 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine was a big step as was the ‘blaze cockpit’ featuring cutting edge screens and mood lighting. But plenty of space for passengers and luggage and the ability to tow 2 tonnes are retained. Well appointed as you would expect for a truck based on a top of the range SUV.
2020
Launch of the new Tivoli
The first major refresh for Tivoli brings new 1.2L and 1.5L turbocharged petrol engines, an uprated diesel and a cabin that takes the best of the technology from Korando whilst maintaining interior and boot space that can embarrass many a rival.
2020
Musso LWB intro
In the world of pick-ups big is best and Musso Rhino is the biggest of them all. With all the benefits of the standard Musso and an extra-long load deck carrying capacity is now the biggest in the market whilst retaining the ability to tow at the same time.
2021
New Rexton
The multi-award winning Rexton is more striking than ever thanks to a facelift including its new grille. A new powertrain and gearbox provide more power and better efficiency whilst maintaining its 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 7 seat configuration.
2021
New Musso
Musso receives an aggressive facelift that commands road presence. Still boasting the best towing and load carrying stats of any pick-up, the Musso powers into the UK market and continues to pick up awards.
2022
Enters the world of electrification with e-Motion
SsangYong launches its first BEV to the UK market. Its an all-electric vehicle with refined, energetic style. Bold, sleek and chic. Combining heritage and hi-tech in one refined advanced package, Korando e-Motion reduces emissions without sacrificing style.
2022
Facelift Musso
Musso receives another aggressive facelift that commands road presence, with a smart black grille and wheels. Still boasting the best towing and load carrying stats of any pick-up, the Musso powers into the UK market and continues to pick up awards this year from WhatCar? Carbuyer and 4×4 Magazine.
2022
KG Mobility
SsangYong Motor Company changes its name to KG Mobility as part of a re-brand of the business, following its takeover by KG Group. The focus is on new mobility technologies such as EV-dedicated platforms, software defined vehicles (SDV), autonomous vehicles and AI in line with the paradigm shift.
2023
New Musso line-up for the UK
SsangYong Motors UK launches new Musso line up with significant interior changes.
2023
Enter a new Rexton line-up for the UK
SsangYong’s flagship adds more to the UK market with a new line-up and upgraded interior.
2023
New Tivoli line-up
A new sporty Tivoli arrives! Available in two trim levels – K30 and K40 – there is a Tivoli for everyone.
2024
SsangYong Motor UK rebrands to KGM Motors UK
SsangYong Motor UK rebrands to KGM Motors in the UK after the acquisition of SsangYong Motor Company in Korea by the KG Group in November 2022.
2024
KGM Motors UK launches the all-new Torres SUV
KGM Motors UK launches an all-new SUV to the UK market. A quality built, highly specified vehicle to turn heads.
2024
Celebrating 70 years with a significant step into our future
The launch of the all-electric Torres EVX marks a significant step in the company’s future. We’ve come a long way and we have our eyes on the horizon looking out at the future.
