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.
09/11, 1:24 PM
posted by:
And The Winner Is…
Wow! A Sebring SUV. Does Chrysler know about this?
09/11, 1:25 PM
posted by:
Kid Icarus
Seriously…if you lived in the UK why would you buy a SsangYong?
09/11, 1:28 PM
posted by:
And The Winner Is…
Please tell me this isn’t the company that might build Saturns for Penske.
Please…tell me.
09/11, 1:49 PM
posted by:
scratchy
isn’t SsangYong owned by the Chinese ?
09/11, 2:01 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
…yeah the Penske Racing SsangYong Aura was pretty good today. We were tight off 3 & 4 but it got better on the long runs. I’d like to thank our sponsor Kimchi Hut…
09/11, 2:07 PM
posted by:
armstealer
Kid Icarus- Because it comes with a 5 year quarter million mile warranty and 5 years of free service, as explained here: “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.”
AndTheLoserIs: Why not? What do you know about this company and the products they build?
09/11, 2:13 PM
posted by:
And The Winner Is…
Ah, let’s see:
They are majority owned (51%) by the Chinese government.
They are in receivership.
All of their cars are ugly.
I think that’s enough.
09/11, 2:20 PM
posted by:
mugengsr
Chinese cars are hideous.
09/11, 2:37 PM
posted by:
Kid Icarus
SsangYong is a South Korean company that is now Chinese owned
09/11, 2:46 PM
posted by:
05Z88Path
Why was this article even posted on LLN? Who gives a rats ass about SsangYong and their 52 car sales in the UK?
09/11, 3:07 PM
posted by:
Bosley
How come this is the 3rd Korean company (after Kia and Hyundai) that seem to steal design elements from other cars in such a blatant way?
09/11, 5:27 PM
posted by:
cocojoe53
I suggest they open a studio in Calif as soon as possible….That is pure ugly
09/11, 6:19 PM
posted by:
mitzo
Don’t worry, Penske is reportedly looking at importing Samsungs as Saturns. Prosaic “me too” sedans that will not offend American aesthetic preferences.
09/11, 11:52 PM
posted by:
ConceptVBS
Actually, it is BACK to being a Korean company. The Chinese government sold its stake in Ssangyong recently.
09/12, 5:18 PM
posted by:
Smegley Wanxalot
Whoop. Hot Wheels sells more in $$ terms in London alone than SsangYong sell in all of Europe.
09/12, 9:35 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
250,000 mile warranty? Yeah right. I believe they mean 250,000 km… which would make a lot more sense.
09/13, 2:38 PM
posted by:
Francois_1616
I think they give you a very good car for the price you pay. you cant go comparing this to a BMW x 5 ect.
09/13, 4:06 PM
posted by:
reedfast
Mitzo, are saturns going to start coming with samsung flip phones in every car?
09/14, 12:17 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
Mitzo… aren’t “me too” sedans what the Camry and Accord are? If that is any evidence more bland generic cars should do quite well.
09/14, 3:41 PM
posted by:
JSi
oh the chinese!
09/15, 12:12 PM
posted by:
ktulu
a secbring wagon?
I wood not buy a SsangYong?
I hope thgey don’t bild Saturns 4 Penske.
5./250,000 is insane1
Chinese cars R hideous.
the Camry & Accord R boring and lo quality