SsangYong may not be a global powerhouse when it comes to global auto sales – or car designs, for that matter — but the relatively small Korean automaker just notched its fifth straight month of sales growth in the United Kingdom.
According to the SsangYong, August UK sales were up 160 percent compared to August 2008. Although that sales increase sounds impressive, mainstream automakers aren’t exactly looking in their rear view mirrors as of yet. That 160 percent increase only netted SsangYong 52 new car sales.
However, even that modest sales total is a positive sign for the Korean automaker. SsangYong filed for court protection early this year and was even considering a complete liquidation. SsangYong also hasn’t landed a single sale from Britain’s scrappage program.
“We continue to make steady progress and our dealers are following up strong sales leads,” Paul Williams, managing director of SsangYong distributor Koelliker UK, said. “Our volumes are still low of course, but five months of better figures than last year is very encouraging – especially as we have seen little benefit from the scrappage scheme.”
SsangYong says many buyers have been checking out the brand due to its five year/250,000 mile warranty and five year free service plan.
