SsangYong Motors Re-Enters Philippines, Launches 3 cars

MANILA: SsangYong Motors, the fourth largest automotive company in the South Korean region, has officially announced its re-entry in the Philippine market. This announcement came at an official launch event at the World Trade Centre, which is currently home to the 2016 Manila International Auto Show. The brand has launched 3 products in the Philippine market to mark its re-entry, namely a value for money compact SUV – the SsangYong Tivoli, an urban full-size SUV – the SsangYong Korando, and a Multi-Purpose Vehicle – the SsangYong Rodius.

SsangYong would be organizing its operations in Philippines under a joint venture with the Berjaya Group of Companies, which will be made responsible for distribution and logistics of the company's products. Under this JV, the car's distributor would be named the SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines (SBMP).

Announcing the launch of this prominent brand in the country, SBMP's Managing Director, Dave Macasadia mentioned, “We are proud to present to the Filipino motoring public SsangYong’s three core global products in the Rodius, the Korando and the Tivoli. All these models are designed to address Filipino families’ needs for stylish, durable, economic and dynamic modes of transportation. SsangYong Philippines has studied the growing Philippine automotive market and has seen an opportunity in the Sport Utility Vehicle genre.”

This statement comes on the backdrop of the fact that the company has clearly shown interest in the utility vehicle segment of the country, and has hence launched 2 SUVs and an MPV to start-off there journey in the country.

SsangYong Tivoli

The Tivoli would likely be the most important product for the Korean automaker as we Filipinos are in love with compact SUVs. Driven by a 1.6-litre engine producing 128 PS and 160 Nm torque, the Tivoli would be a the perfect option for people venturing into the compact SUV market. The prices across its trims fall between PhP 785,000 and PhP 1,080,000.

SsangYong Rodius

Though the Rodius is essentially a Multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), SsangYong claims that it has been designed and engineered to be capable of doing everything that an SUV is capable of. So while it is indeed capable of mild off-roading, the Rodius can be a perfect comfortable people carrier. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, that is mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. This drive comes with a pricetag starting at PhP 1,290,000.

SsangYong Korando

The Korando is a full-size SUV, which is powered by three engine options: a 2.0-litre petrol (149 PS), a 2.0-litre diesel (149 PS), and a 2.0-litre CRDi (175 PS). Featuring a laid back and urban styling, the Korando will be a tough contender in the already crowded full-size SUV segment. The price of this drive starts from Php 1,090,000.

It remains to be seen how the Philippine audience welcomes this Korean brand and its products.

Also Read: SsangYong Tivoli SUV Likely to be Roofless