KGM Motors Marks Seven Decades of Automotive Leadership

KGM Motors Marks Seven Decades of Automotive Leadership

KGM Motors, formerly known as SsangYong, proudly celebrates seven decades of automotive excellence. From its humble beginnings in the Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954, KGM Motors has emerged as Korea’s sole manufacturer dedicated exclusively to SUVs and 4×4 vehicles. Renowned for its pioneering spirit and commitment to producing award-winning vehicles, KGM Motors boasts a […]

By Breyten Odendaal3 July 20244 min read

KGM Motors, formerly known as SsangYong, proudly celebrates seven decades of automotive excellence. From its humble beginnings in the Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954, KGM Motors has emerged as Korea’s sole manufacturer dedicated exclusively to SUVs and 4×4 vehicles.

Renowned for its pioneering spirit and commitment to producing award-winning vehicles, KGM Motors boasts a rich history of innovation. Initially focused on trucks, buses, and special-purpose vehicles for export, the company laid a strong foundation of reliability and strength that continues to define its products today.

Over the years, the company evolved into the well-regarded SsangYong Motor Company, eventually transitioning to its current identity as KGM Motors—“Korean Genuinely Made.” Throughout this journey, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the SUV and 4×4 markets, leading the industry with its innovative designs and engineering prowess.

Driven by a passion for innovation and excellence, KGM Motors continues to advance automotive design and engineering. The company’s dedication to crafting key components and cutting-edge engines is evident in its exciting roadmap of new models projected through the mid-2020s. This includes a strong emphasis on eco-friendly engines and the introduction of models powered by pure-electric drivetrains, further cementing KGM’s role as a leader in sustainable mobility.

Kgm Motors Marks Seven Decades Of Automotive Leadership

At the core of KGM Motors’ product lineup are vehicles that reflect the brand’s new design philosophy, ‘Powered by Toughness.’ This approach combines rugged durability with sophisticated design and state-of-the-art technology. From the multi-award-winning Musso pickup and Rexton to the latest additions like the Torres 1.5 petrol variant and the Torres EVX pure electric variant, each vehicle showcases KGM’s unwavering commitment to quality, performance, and innovation.

Looking to the future, KGM Motors is developing concept models in collaboration with BYD, utilizing BEV-dedicated platforms. The production of new BEV models, including a pick-up truck and a mid-sized SUV, is expected to begin in the first half of 2025, marking another significant milestone in KGM’s journey towards a more sustainable future.

Headquartered in the Gangnam district of Seoul, KGM Motors operates its principal manufacturing plant in Pyungtaek, which is equipped with the latest technology and has the capacity to produce 240,000 vehicles annually. The company has also invested in a new factory in the same area, specifically designed for the production of pure-electric vehicles.

In the UK, the transition to KGM Motors marks a transformative milestone for the brand, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation. The company has outlined a realistic growth strategy, aiming to expand its dealer network to 80 strong by the end of 2024.

As KGM Motors celebrates its 70th anniversary, the company reaffirms its commitment to pioneering intelligent, secure, and sustainable mobility for the future.

Comments

Sign in to comment.Sign in

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Stellantis Shines at Paris Motor Show with 8 Iconic Brands
6,608
7
ArticleMarch 19, 2026

Stellantis Shines at Paris Motor Show with 8 Iconic Brands

Stellantis returns to the Paris Motor Show with 8 brands, 60+ vehicles, and premieres from Lancia, DS, Leapmotor and more.
Santa Pod Raceway Celebrates 60 Years of Speed & Music
6,526
1
ArticleMarch 19, 2026

Santa Pod Raceway Celebrates 60 Years of Speed & Music

Marking six decades of drag racing, lifestyle events, and music, Santa Pod Raceway continues to thrill motorsport fans across Europe.
California Incident Highlights Gaps in Self-Driving Laws
6,472
4
ArticleMarch 19, 2026

California Incident Highlights Gaps in Self-Driving Laws

California self-driving vehicle incident exposes regulatory gaps, raising questions on safety, accountability, and public trust in autonomous cars.
South Africa’s Road to Decarbonising Transport
6,388
8
ArticleMarch 19, 2026

South Africa’s Road to Decarbonising Transport

SA aims to transform road transport with EVs, green policies, and economic growth for a sustainable future.
Humax and Rightcharge Transform Home EV Charging for Fleets
6,350
3
ArticleMarch 19, 2026

Humax and Rightcharge Transform Home EV Charging for Fleets

Humax partners with Rightcharge to deliver secure, compliant, and efficient home EV charging solutions for UK fleets.
Blue Light Aware Videos Surpass 10 Million Views in UK
6,250
6
ArticleMarch 18, 2026

Blue Light Aware Videos Surpass 10 Million Views in UK

GEM Motoring Assist is celebrating a remarkable milestone as its Blue Light Aware video series surpasses 10 million views across social media. Launched in September 2020, these short animated videos are designed to educa
Musso EV: Power, Practicality and Electric Performance Meet in the UK’s Boldest Pickup
6,145
10
ArticleMarch 18, 2026

Musso EV: Power, Practicality and Electric Performance Meet in the UK’s Boldest Pickup

Discover the all-new Musso EV: the UK’s first fully electric pickup combining SUV comfort, 240-mile range, 2.3-tonne towing, and versatile payload.
INEOS Grenadier Heads to Antarctica for Luxury Expeditions
6,030
7
ArticleMarch 16, 2026

INEOS Grenadier Heads to Antarctica for Luxury Expeditions

INEOS Grenadier joins White Desert’s Antarctic operations, supporting luxury expeditions with extreme capability at Wolf’s Fang Runway.
Inside WeBuyCars’ AI-Powered Digital Reinvention Drive
5,875
4
ArticleMarch 13, 2026

Inside WeBuyCars’ AI-Powered Digital Reinvention Drive

At NADA Connect 2026, WeBuyCars revealed how data, experimentation and AI reshaped its business from spreadsheets into a digital powerhouse.
Carjackings in South Africa Fall 8.1% Amid Persistent Risk
5,605
4
ArticleMarch 13, 2026

Carjackings in South Africa Fall 8.1% Amid Persistent Risk

South Africa reports an 8.1% drop in carjackings, but vigilance remains essential as risks stay high across key provinces.
Autoglym Launches Advanced Paint & Surface Restorers
5,500
2
ArticleMarch 13, 2026

Autoglym Launches Advanced Paint & Surface Restorers

Autoglym unveils Advanced Paint Restorer and Paint Reviver to remove and conceal scratches, swirls, and haze with ease.
INEOS Grenadier Origins Campaign Celebrates Pub Beginnings
5,966
2
ArticleMarch 12, 2026

INEOS Grenadier Origins Campaign Celebrates Pub Beginnings

INEOS Automotive launches its Grenadier Origins campaign, telling the story of how the rugged 4x4 was born in a London pub.