GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Ssangyong declares 2014 a year of 'important growth'
A freshened line-up, including an EcoSport-rivalling SUV dubbed X100, is tipped to increase Ssanyong sales by 10 per cent in 12 monthsSsangyong President and CEO, Yoo Ill Lee, has unveiled the car-maker's adventurous XLV mild-hybrid SUV concept at the Geneva motor show saying the model arrives at what is the start of a year of “important growth” for the South Korean manufacturer.
“Despite challenges and uncertainties in the global market in recent years, sales of Ssangyong vehicles have consistently grown since 2011,” Lee said. “Riding on the success of the new Actyon Sports, new Rodius [Stavic in Australia], the Rexton W and the new Korando, in 2013, we sold 145,000 units, which is an increase of 20 per cent year on year.”
Although the numbers remain modest volumes, the South Korean manufacturer aims to steadily improve its market share in Europe, and other overseas markets, over the coming 12 months.
“We achieved the highest growth rate amongst all auto-makers in Korea, and our highest-ever sales in overseas markets,” announced Lee. “For 2014, we have set a sales target of 160,000 units, which is growth of 10 per cent over the last year.”
With four new and refreshed models joining the Ssangyong line-up in recent times, and an all-new compact SUV, dubbed X100, set to join the range in early 2015, the incremental increase in total sales Lee hopes for should be easily achievable.
“Ssangyong will achieve this target by focusing on new product, and [by] preparing the for the launch of the new SUV X100,” he explained.
“To meet the demands of a fast-changing auto industry, the X100 -- Ssangyong’s global strategy model -- will be fully ready with an eye-catching design, world-class quality and class-leading value thus emerging as a game-changer for Ssnagyong,” Lee surmised.
The SUV maker, which celebrated its 60th birthday at the Geneva motor show, has struggled in Australia, but says its ever-improving line-up, will help alter people’s perceptions.
There’s no word yet as to whether the EcoSport-rivaling Ssangyong X100 will make it to Australian showrooms, though right-hand drive variants are expected.
Last year, Ssangyong sold only 1507 vehicles in Australia, the lion’s share coming from sales of the small Korando SUV (686 units) and Actyon Sports utility (459 units).
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