With its newly launched models and concepts, Ssangyong has finally began to regain some momentum in the business, even considering a possible US entry.
In its new overseas expansion plan, South Korea’s No.4 car maker will try to take on new markets in order to balance the poor sales in its main export country, Russia.
Ssangyong’s CEO Choi Johng-sik said the car manufacturer could penetrate the U.S market under a new company name, as early as 2019, although Reuters reports that this information contradicts the one of Mahindra Executive Director Pawan Goenka, who stated that Ssangyong’s priority is building plans in China.
Nevertheless, even though the companies’ executives might not be on the same page, Choi Johng-sik admitted it’s hard to conquer:
"It is true that there are several concerns about the U.S. entry. We think the U.S. project will make or break our company. So we'll have full discussions with Mahindra."
Of course, if the Indian-owned company won’t get approvals from Mahindra, then nothing will happen, however, Choi said the company had three to four years to prepare for the entry, with an investment of over $100 million.
Moreover, Ssangyong’s CEO said the Korean company was also in talks with several Chinese firms to make vehicles on the mainland, citing Geely, Cherry and an unidentified military truck maker.