Industry News: Ssangyong Planning Jeep Wrangler Competitor For North America

[William Maley]

There looks to be another automaker who wants to enter the North American market. Korean brand Ssangyong is planning a Wrangler-style high-design SUV sometime in the later half of this decade.

 

The SUV would be based on the automaker's recently launched Tivoli crossover and have styling that is in line with the Korando, a model that started off as a licensed CJ-7 clone. Power will come from Tivoli as well, which includes 1.6L gas and diesel engines.

 

So why try entering the North American market now?

 

“The company has never cracked North America because it requires a huge investment and because the distributor model that we use in other territories wouldn’t really work in the USA. But a Wrangler-style high-design 4x4 could create the waves we’d need in order to make a mark over there. At the same time, it’d work really well for us in the UK and Europe at a time when building profile is absolutely key,” said a source.

 

Source: Autocar

View full article

[David]

This could be interesting!

[Susimi]

I've never even heard of this company until now!

 

I hope their gamble pays off for them and they have some success in the USA.

[loki]

could they be the new kia/hyundai in 5+ years?

[daves87rs]

In a crowded market....how are they going to fit in?

 

Cheapest price? Clever marketing?

 

 

Not so sure here....