Over in Seoul, another debutant comes in the form of the SsangYong LIV-1 concept. The Limitless Interface Vehicle, as it’s known as in full, is a large 4.87 metre-long SUV study following on the XIV (eXciting User-Interface Vehicle) series and SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) shown in Geneva earlier this month, and gives an indication to the brand’s design direction.

The four-wheel drive LIV-1 features a sizeable body with large front and rear bumpers, as well as a very high beltline, and with a low header the overall silhouette is rather chunky. A full-length glass roof improves space perception in the cabin, and since it’s a big boy, an automated sidestep is included for safety and convenience.

The automaker says that the design concept for the interior is very much lounge-like. Material trim includes high gloss piano black on the centre fascia and contrasting aluminium detailing.

It’s loaded with tech, the LIV-1. The car’s driver-vehicle communication interface is based on the 3S-Cube, the core of SsangYong’s future technology that combines the elements of Smart Link, Safe Way and Special Sense.

Smart Link is a roof-and-glass system that removes frost quickly via remote control for safe winter driving, while Safe Way ensures safe driving by actively preventing collisions in blind spots and at intersections. As for Special Sense, this one allows the driver to control the sound, seats and interior lighting to create a bespoke personal driving space.

User-vehicle interaction takes place through five touch-panel displays, including a 10-inch monitor in the centre fascia and a seven-inch monitor in the headrests.

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SsangYong’s promising SIV-1 (Smart Interface Vehicle) concept, featured here before in the pre-Geneva teaser rush, has finally been unveiled in its full glory. The new concept, posing as a mid-sized premium CUV (crossover utility vehicle), is a direct descendant of the XIV concept series that started from 2011’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Designed to embody the brand’s philosophy of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, the car will become a key model within the new SsangYong range, which includes the new Stavic/Korando Turismo. It looks dynamic if not unique, the sharp edges and bulging fenders looking fresh and athletic and thankfully nothing like the brand’s forgettable past models.

But while the exterior looks close to production ready, the interior is pure concept fantasy. The dash gets a freestanding LCD screen while the centre fascia uses a lot of fancy metallic bits with eerie red luminous strips for more drama. It has four bucket seats to instil some sporty intentions into the futuristic cabin.

The interior windows are infused with a nano tube technology-based heat coating to remove frost quickly and ensure good visibility and safety. Cabin environment, seat positions, GPS and music settings can be pre-loaded into smart phones and tablets through SsangYong’s Mobile Auto System, which will prep the car for you upon entering.

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SsangYong seems to be on a fast track to make amends for its past sins, first with the redesigned Stavic (or Korando Turismo) unveiled last week and then this brand new concept car that’s as stylish as they come. Meet the SIV-1, SsangYong’s Geneva-bound concept SUV that’s set to move the Korean brand to the forefront of automotive design.

Before you get excited, Mahindra-owned SsangYong has shown plenty of bold concept models before, none of which ever entered production. Remember the e-XIV electric SUV from Paris last year? And the XIV-2 from Geneva 2012 before that, not to mention the XIV-1 in Frankfurt 2011. The list goes on.

But, the latest SIV-1 concept is by far the most promising of the lot. It’s arguably the best looking and more importantly, it appears to have been designed with production in mind rather than the past concepts’ motor show-style shock and awe approach. The bulging fenders may well be slightly over the top yet the rest of SIV-1 looks plausible enough for production.

It sure looks good doesn’t it? There are some traces of the Kia Sorento at the front while the rear is a little SEAT Ibiza-like, but the overall appearance is attractive, if not exactly unique. And if SsangYong manages to put this car into production, perhaps as the next generation Actyon SUV without dulling out too much of its visual pizzazz, it may well be on to a winner.

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SsangYong has been trying to phase out the distinctive looks of its cars, which some might describe as ugly. The return to normal was first seen on the inoffensive Actyon SUV, beofre they facelifted away the SsangYong Actyon Sports pick-up truck’s helmet head. Now, the new SsangYong Stavic MPV gets a similar opportunity to rid itself of divisive looks.

Presented in its domestic market as the Korando Turismo (it was also called Rodius in other markets), the new Stavic is a large MPV, with the option of nine, ten or eleven seats, and can carry up to 3,240 litres of cargo. Three trim levels will be available in Korea: Luxury Touring (LT), Grand Touring (GT) and Royal Touring (RT).

The big Stavic (5,130 mm long with a three-metre wheelbase) is available with an e-XDi 200 2.0 litre turbodiesel (155 PS, 360 Nm) engine paired to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed Mercedes-Benz-sourced automatic. In Korea and Russia, the MPV can also be had with a 3.2 litre six-pot petrol engine, and all-wheel drive.

The SsangYong Stavic is much more conventional looking now, but is it better looking? You be the judge.

The post New SsangYong Stavic a.k.a. Korando Turismo revealed – ditches shocking for conventional looks appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Remember SsangYong’s XIV-2 concept from Geneva? It looks like the ‘convertible’ crossover utility vehicle is changing tack to a different route for Paris. Instead of the petrol and diesel mills seen in the former, the upcoming debutant is taking on a ‘Range Extender EV’ tack.

The e-XIV (electric – eXciting user Interface Vehicle) is a design extension of what the company is envisioning for its XIV series. No details about the powertrain, with Ssangyong only stating that the e-XIV is self-chargeable by utilising a small petrol engine.

There’s a glass roof, which provides enhanced visibility for passengers, and the vehicle features roof-mounted solar cell panels, which supplies free solar energy, though again, there’s no mention of what it powers on the vehicle. Other that that, the 4.16 metre-long e-XIV is very much a XIV-2 in terms of dimensions and shape.

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Competitive Supreme has introduced the facelifted SsangYong Actyon Sports XDi 200 XVT pickup as well as the Actyon AWD e-XDI 200 XVT SUV. The vehicles were launched last night at the company’s main facility in Petaling Jaya.

First up, the Actyon Sports, which is available in 2WD and 4WD forms, both guises powered by a 2.0 litre e-XDI turbodiesel mill offering 155 PS at 4,000 rpm and 360 Nm 1,500 to 2,800 rpm. This is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission on both variants.

Exterior-wise, the styling gets tightened a fair bit, especially at the front. Rakish would best describe the nose, which gets a taut-looking hood, mesh grille, trapezoidal bumper and black headlight bezels for elements. The 4WD version wears 18-inch alloys, while the 2WD variant goes with 16s.

The cabin has been spruced up too. The overall theme is set by a combination of black and metallic finishes, and the seats are finished in leather. Interior kit includes a powered driver’s seat, electrically adjustable and power folding door mirrors, rear parking sensors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Other elements include Bluetooth connectivity, an LED illuminated instrument cluster and Eco cruise control. Elsewhere, a bed liner comes as standard fitment, and there’s also a sunroof in the mix. Safety kit includes two airbags, ESP, hill start assist, among others.

Pricing-wise, the Actyon Sports XDi 20 XVT 4×2 automatic goes for RM84,888, while the 4×4 automatic is RM89,888, both on-the-road without insurance. Seven exterior shades are available for the pickup.

As for the SUV, the facelifted fourth-generation C200 (known as the Korando in most markets) arrives in all-wheel drive form, also powered by a 2.0 litre e-XDI mill, though the D20D TF offers 175 PS at 4,000 rpm and 360 Nm at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm. It’s matched to a six-speed automatic tranny.

Plenty of kit on the 1,747 kg vehicle, with six-way powered driver’s seat, leather seats, sunroof, roof spoiler, electric power steering, cruise control and 18-inch alloys wrapped with 225/55 series rubbers (with full-size spare) part of the item inventory. As for the boot area, it offers 486 litres of cargo space.

Safety kit includes two airbags, ABS. EBD, traction control, ESP, brake assist, active rollover protection and hill start assist. Also on, first row active head restraints and ISOFIX points on the rear seats.

A choice of tan and black interior themes can be had, while six exterior colours abound, the palette list reading Tonic Grey, Vitamin Red, Silent Silver, Sable Grey, Grand White and Space Black as the available shades. The Actyon AWD e-XDI 200 XVT goes for RM128,888, again on-the-road without insurance, and comes with a three-year/100,000 km factory-backed warranty.

The post SsangYong Actyon Sports pickup and Actyon SUV facelifts launched, RM86k to RM129k appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Yesterday, we saw the fourth-generation SsangYong Korando (sold as Actyon in Malaysia) receive a mild facelift, today we check out the facelifted Actyon Sports pick-up truck. Compared to the Korando’s nip/tuck, this is a major change from the unusual to the normal – looks like SsangYong’s new Indian owners don’t like the old mantra of standing out by looking odd.

The bulging “helmet head” of old has gone, and in comes a contemporary and unoffensive face. Despite that, the Actyon Sports is still the most distinctive truck in town as everything else is unchanged, from the rising beltline and large glass area to the number plate on the mega sized tailgate.

For the latter, SsangYong has listened to complaints – it now takes half the effort to operate (11 kgF from 22 kgF). If you’ve used the old car before, you’ll know what I mean.

There’s a new “e-XDi active diesel” engine that delivers 155 PS and 360 Nm from (a low) 1,500 rpm to 2,800 rpm. The claimed fuel economy of 7.4L/100 km represents a 7.5% improvement.

Available features including heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, Eco-cruise control, a sliding sunroof and ESP. This one could be brought in by SsangYong’s Malaysian dealer, Competitive Supreme, since the previous gen was offered.

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The fourth-generation SsangYong Korando has been given a mild facelift, with the rework package consisting of a wider choice of new powertrains, an upgraded exterior and interior as well as improved refinement.

The vehicle, better known as the Actyon here, debuted in Geneva, and brings along two new engines for the ride, a 149 PS 2.0 litre eco diesel unit and a 2.0 litre petrol mill – these will be available in 2WD and AWD form, wearing manual transmissions.

External revisions are minimum, led by a chrome-coated mesh radiator grille and contemporary-looking hybrid wiper blades. Inside, the trim has been upgraded to a carbon grain pattern in line with the car’s active look. The switchgear gets a high-gloss finish, and the instrument cluster gets improved LED illumination.

As for improvements to NVH, a revised gearing along with a new engine casing helps to reduce diesel engine noise, while an enhanced transmission control system improves the overall driving experience.

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More on SsangYong’s XIV-2 concept, another Geneva debutant. The ‘convertible’ crossover utility vehicle essentially previews what will shape up as a strategic global model when the form eventually goes into production. Or at least, that’s how the Korean automaker envisions it.

The 4.16 metre-long B-segment offering blends SUV and coupe lines, as well as its trump card – a fabric roof with a one-touch automatic operating system, so occupants can enjoy open air driving enjoyment at a pinch.

Inside, the concept features cabin controls that are integrated into a single central system and managed using a centre console mounted screen, and smart/mobile devices use an Auto User Interface to provide passengers with a moving communication space.

There are four independent bucket seats housed in a comfortable and luxurious environment, and materials and finishes include aluminium and carbon fibre, with red colour highlights on the dials thrown in for good measure.

The vehicle will feature two engine variants, both 1.6 litre four-cylinder power units in petrol and diesel guise. The petrol has 125 PS and 158 Nm for numbers, while output for the diesel mill is 130 PS and 300 Nm. A choice of six-speed auto and manual transmissions abound for both versions, and there’s Idle Stop and Go (ISG) in there too.

Ssangyong says the XIV-2 will be introduced in various body styles, including five-door and three-door coupé as well as an extended body version. In any case, it has all come a long way from the likes of the Musso!

The post SsangYong XIV-2 Concept – the ‘convertible’ crossover appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

SsangYong is set to give its XIV-2 concept car its debut in Geneva next month. The eXciting User Interface Vehicle 2, to give it its full name, is the follow up of XIV-1 concept that was presented in Frankfurt last year, with a convertible twist to it.

The XIV-2 measures in at 4.16 metres long, 1.82 metres wide and 1.56 metres tall, with a 2.6 metre wheelbase, and will be equipped with eco-friendly, fuel efficient 1.6 litre diesel and petrol engines meeting Euro VI emission regulations.

Click to enlarge.

The Korean automaker is developing the concept as a premium crossover utility vehicle, with a view of it becoming a strategic model for the global market. SsangYong says that the vehicle’s styling cues are based around ‘a special experience with fun’ theme, and blends the characteristics of a robust and powerful SUV with the dynamic style of an open top sports coupé.

The XIV-2 features a one-touch automatic opening soft-top roof to provide ‘wind in the hair’ driving enjoyment, and its futuristic and aesthetic appearance is very much aimed at bowling over the younger generation.

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Ssangyong have released two new images of their Frankfurt Motorshow concept car, along with an announcement that they’re giving the concept a new name – the Ssangyong XIV-1 Concept. It was previously known as the XUV-1. In this case, the XIV-1 stands for “exciting user Interface Vehicle”. Looks kinda Evoque-inspired don’t you think? I wonder what went on with the name change… perhaps Ssangyong encountered some trademark issues with the term XUV?

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Here’s what SsangYong will bring to Frankfurt – the Concept XUV 1. The Korean brand, now owned by Mahindra & Mahindra of India, released these teaser pics of their showcar, which we bumped up in Photoshop for a clearer view.

SsangYong already has the Korando, which is a C-segment SUV. This concept is of a compact B segment sized crossover with a footprint of a supermini, something like the Nissan Qashqai (Dualis in Japan and Malaysia’s grey market), which has been a success for Nissan. SsangYong says that the appeal of such a car is the high seating position and rugged feel of a full sized SUV without any compromise in running costs.

The Concept XUV 1 uses extensive glass areas along with curved bodywork to “look imposing without seeming to appear aggressive”. The wraparound windscreen visually extends the glass area virtually uninterrupted to the large C-pillars, complemented by a full length glass roof. As with most concepts, the doors are coach style, for now. Not sure why, but the rear reminds me a little of the MINI Countryman.

The cabin can switch between 1+1+2 or 1+3 seating layouts, but there’s no teaser of the interior. Hi res pics after the jump.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=2540]

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South Korean carmaker SsangYong, now owned by India’s Mahindra, has introduced the updated Chairman W luxury saloon. First introduced in 2008, the W is a longer and more luxurious version of the original Chairman, which was first rolled out in 1997 as a Mercedes S-Class lookalike. That car was sold in Malaysia.

This new car still has plenty of Merc hints, which may draw sniggers elsewhere, but probably works well in Korea. There, the Chairman W fights the Hyundai Equus, and most orders will be in black, with lots of chrome.

There are three trim levels with different engines. The starter CW600 comes with a 3.2-litre straight-six with 225 PS and 296 Nm of torque. One step up is the CW700 powered by a 3.6-litre straight-six with 250 PS and 343 Nm. There’s also a 5.0L V8 range topper. All engines are paired to Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic ‘box, which SsangYong calls T-Tronic.

The Chairman can be had in standard and long wheelbase format. Even the standard Chairman is 5,110 mm long, with a 2,970 mm wheelbase. The super sized LWB car measures 5,410 mm long, with a massive 3,270 mm wheelbase. Luxury kit includes a 17-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, multifunction rear seat armrest, touch screen Driver Information System and vacuum doors.

The Chairman W is priced from 57 million won to 107 million won. Gallery after the jump.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=2370]

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Malaysian Ssangyong distributor Competitive Supreme has updated their website to feature a new SUV model – the Ssangyong Actyon, which turns out to be one and the same as the new Ssangyong Korando that was unveiled in November last year. The new Korando started out as the Giugiaro-styled Ssangyong C200 Concept.

According to Competitive Supreme’s website, the new Ssangyong Actyon will be available as two models – the Actyon 2WD priced at RM119,977.20 OTR without insurance and the Actyon AWD priced at RM129,997.20 OTR without insurance. Both are powered by Ssangyong’s 2.0 litre e-XDi engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Other than the AWD system, going step up to the Actyon AWD also gets you larger 18 inch wheels versus 17 inch, ESP stability control with active rollover protection and hill start assist, automatic climate control, an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, power door mirrors and sunroof, a roof spoiler, and an electric power steering system.

Competitive Supreme does not list Malaysian specs for the engine but at launch time internationally the Korando/Actyon’s 2.0 litre e-XDi engine was listed to make a peak power of 175 PS and a peak torque of 360Nm from 2,000rpm to 3,000rpm, which is up there with some of the best power/torque to displacement ratios for turbodiesel engines. Not sure what the Malaysian spec tune will be – perhaps the same or maybe different as the engine has been listed as an Euro 6 engine.

Six colors are listed – a beige interior matched with tonic grey, space black or grand white, or a grey interior matched with vitamin red, sable grey or silent silver. Competitive Supreme says the new SUV will be available as a CBU import from May 2011 onwards.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the new Ssangyong SUV as well as the full specs/price list for the 2WD and AWD models. Hat tip to reader Lim for the pointer!

[zenphotopress number=999 album=1665]

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As scheduled, Mahindra & Mahindra has completed its acquisition of a majority stake in SsangYong Motor Company, and now owns a 70% share in the Korean automaker.

The deal, which has seen Mahindra forking out US$463 million for the purchase, will see Ssangyong investing heavily this coming year on product development and brand building, now that cash is flowing in. Around 240 billion (US$211.8 million) Korean Won has been projected for expenditure, with 200 billion set for product development and 40 billion for brand builidng.

Mahindra says that no decision has been taken yet on whether there would be any changes involving renaming Ssangyong or with the branding of its products. Plans to launch the Rexton and Korando-C in India have already begun – the two vehicles are expected be introduced there by the end of this year.

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Anyone remember the SsangYong Actyon Sports? I do, mainly because of its strange looks in a very traditional truck segment, and its 2.0-litre diesel engine with the figures of a 2.5. That same strange looking truck has made an appearance in Geneva, but it looks less oddball now with an all new face.

This is the SUT 1 Concept by SsangYong, named so because it was designed to be the world’s best pick-up truck (SUT stands for Sports Utility Truck). Don’t throw stones at us, that’s what they said!

We can see that SsangYong has ditched the Actyon’s bulging forehead and triangle lamps for a sleeker, contemporary grille with long swept back headlamps. They’ve even thrown in some trendy LED strips. Actually, this move to look more conventional isn’t new – the SsangYong Korando SUV that was released late last year could have been from any carmaker, not something that can be said of past models.

That prominent rising signature line is still there, but it no longer makes a downward sweep at the end of the road. The profile makes for a very high tailgate, and that’s unchanged, although the elements have been reshaped.

The FR 2.0-litre Active Diesel engine (Euro 5 compliant) makes 155 PS and 360 Nm of torque from 1,500-2,800 rpm (190 Nm available at 1,000 rpm), which not only betters the Actyon Sports’ 141 PS/310 Nm, but beats all 2.5-litre trucks in Malaysia bar the Navara. The engine is mated to six-speed transmissions – auto and manual.

The SUT 1 has plenty of equipment, including powered and heated leather seats, auto air con, sunroof, ESP, 18-inch wheels, cruise control, Bluetooth and an electro chromatic rear view mirror. Production will start in the second half of this year and market introduction is set for early 2012.

Hi res pics after the jump.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=2030]
[zenphotopress number=999 album=1938]

The post SsangYong SUT 1 Concept – Actyon Sports gets new face appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

If it looks familiar, it’s because it is – Ssangyong’s latest concept, called the SUT 1, is a reworking of its Actyon Sports, all dressed up and ready to go. To Geneva, in this case.

The company says that the SUT 1 maintains the essential characteristics of a traditional pick-up, but presents a more contemporary look to reflect the styling expected of today’s Sports Utility Truck. Er, ahem, yes.

The concept is similar in size to the current Actyon Sports, at 4,985mm long x 1,910mm wide x 1,755mm high, which really makes it the same vehicle underneath all that nipping and tucking.

It’ll be powered by a 2.0 litre diesel job, which turns out 153 hp and 360 Nm – available from 1,500 to 2,800 rpm – for numbers, and two transmission options are available as partner to the Euro 5 compliant pot, an automatic or a six-speed manual.

There’ll be both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions of the dressed-up pick-up, which is slated to go on sale across Europe and other markets from early 2012.

Gallery after the jump.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=1938]

The post Ssangyong SUT 1 – more Actyon Sports to thrill you appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

It’s official – South Korean SUV maker Ssangyong will be 70% owned by India’s largest SUV maker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, after a US$378 million deal goes through pending approval from Ssangyong’s creditors. The deal is expected to be concluded in March next year. It looks like Ssangyong’s ownership is passing from one superpower to another – China failed to do much with it, now it’s India’s turn :)

The post Mahindra-Ssangyong deal to be done by March 2011 appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

For the longest time any time Korean SUV specialist Ssangyong appears in the news it’s been all doom and gloom. Here’s a good reason for Ssangyong to be in the news again – the Ssangyong C200 Concept penned by Italdesign Giugiaro has finally made it into production – here’s the new Ssangyong Korando.

Being a C-segment SUV, it competes with other SUVs such as the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage, the Renault Koleos and the Honda CR-V. There’s no quirkiness about the new C-segment SUV’s design language as demonstrated by some of the previous Ssangyong models but then again you’ll probably agree with me when I say that it’s also lost some of the edge that made the concept version so compelling. In a bid to be a non-offensive design the Korando has ended up looking a little last generation.

Under the hood at launch is a new e-XDi200 engine making 175 PS and a peak torque of 360Nm from 2,000-3,000rpm, consuming just 6.0 litres of diesel per 100km and putting out 157g/km of CO2. The turbodiesel engine has a variable geometry turbocharger and is said to be Euro 6 compliant. It can be either had had with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic, with both front wheel drive and all wheel drive configurations.

The all wheel drive systems runs on 100% front wheel power by default and only sends power to the rear wheels if needed, but 4WD mode can be locked if needed at speeds below 40km/h. Later, two other engines will be added to the mix – another smaller diesel engine and a petrol engine.

The new Ssangyong Korando’s unibody chassis sits on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension at the rear. As for off-road capability – the following specs are given: a ground clearance of 180mm, an approach angle of 22.8 degrees, a departure angle of 28.2 degrees, a ramp angle of 18.5 degrees, and a wading depth of 300mm.

Look after the jump for a full gallery of the new Ssangyong Korando.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=1665]

The post The new Ssangyong Korando e-XDi200: the C200 Concept makes it to production! appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Mahindra has been chosen as the preferred bidder for Ssangyong Motors, and the two companies are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding by the end of August 2010 before a due diligence process starts the following month. Mahindra will also be paying a 5% deposit for its bidding price this month.

There’s no official word on how much Mahindra’s bid is. Whatever the amount is, taking over Ssangyong isn’t going to be cheap, and then there is also the question of the huge amount of debt the South Korean SUV maker has. Renault-Nissan pulled out due to high costs, and Mahindra was picked over Indian tyre maker Ruia Group and South Korean company Young An Hat Co Ltd, the owner of Daewoo Bus.

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The future of Ssangyong, Korea’s smallest car manufacturer known here as the maker of the Rexton, is not sorted yet as the company is up for sale under a court-led restructuring process. Six potential suitors, which includes Renault and India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, are waiting for the $500 million deal to go through. But that hasn’t stopped the company from sealing big deals abroad.

SsangYong Motors announced on Tuesday that they will be supplying Russian company Sollers with 156,100 knocked down kits in a CKD export deal right through to 2017, starting with 16,700 units next year. The arrivals will be assembled in Sollers’ factory in Vladivostok. It was not mentioned what model or models the figure included.

Sollers is a Russian company which also assembles Russian UAZ off-roaders, Fiat and Isuzu vehicles. The company pumps out about 300,000 automobiles a year and has an annual turnover that exceeds $2.48 billion.

Source

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Indian conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra have announced their interest in taking over the now bankrupt Korean car maker Ssangyong. But that’s not all, they are facing competition from their Indian market partners Renault in the bid.

M&M and Renault have history together as they used to be partners in the production of the Logan series cars in India. Nissan came in later on in a threeway deal. But in 2008, Mahindra exited the venture and bought up Renault’s stake in Logan JV. Due to problems within the two companies sales of Logan suffered dramatically.

Other bidders in the mix include Ruia Group, the owners of Dunlop India, Korean aluminium producer SM Group, private equity fund Seoul Investment and a company that makes Daewoo buses. The Ruia Group as confident about their chances, as they feel that they have the expertise in turning ‘sick’ companies around. They have identified value in the business thus have put in a bid for the same.

Estimates from the South Korean media have stated that the bids put in place were somewhere in between $300 to $500 million. Clearly both Renault and Mahindra see some ‘value’ (as the Ruia Group put it) in Ssangyong. Mahindra that dominates the Indian SUV market, is planning to launch its own brand in the US, thus modern (some Mercedes-Benz derived) SUV technology such that used in the Rexton and Kyron would come in handy.

Mahindra is currently filling up it’s portfolio with a variety of buyouts which include the recent purchase of REVA electric. REVA previously had dealings with GM in the production of an electric car, but pulled out close to the time Mahindra announced its buyout of the EV producing company.

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Not all hope is lost for SUV-focused Korean brand Ssangyong, whose future was in limbo thus far, having being ‘abandoned’ by its owner SAIC and such. It went into bankruptcy protection in February. It would be a shame for them to go down right now, having produced a rather interesting looking compact SUV concept recently.

The South Korean courts today finally approved Ssangyong’s revival plans – a 3 year program designed to increase competitiveness, return to profitability and triple revenues over their financial results this year. The courts said the revival plan proved to be more worthwhile than a liquidation, and now Ssangyong can finally seek new investments and financing to carry out this new revival plan.

“With supporters outnumbering opponents, we decided top give the green light to the plan to protect the interests of the majority. We also took into consideration the possible negative impact on the society and subcontractors if the self-rescue plan was rejected,” said Judge Ko Young-han. SsangYong had secured a majority number of votes for the plan from shareholders, bondholders and domestic creditors.

The plan includes a write-off of 80 per cent of the shares held by SAIC which will reduce its stake from 51 per cent to 11.2 per cent, and a conversion of 393 billion won of debt into new shares. Other shareholders will see their holdings written down at 3-to-1 initially, with a further write-down for all shareholders in January.

Don’t underestimate the Koreans – if Ssangyong can pull off the same amazing trick that Hyundai-Kia have done with both their brands, we’ll may soon be amazed at model after model churned out by a new “Korean Land Rover”.

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The theme for news on this blog today is obviously SUVs. This is the new Ssangyong C200 Aero and Eco concepts, I think you can guess which is Aero and which is Eco, just look at the more “Eco” colour for the Eco. Ssangyong calls this Audi-like machine tyled by Giugiaro ItalDesign a “CUV” or Compact Urban Vehicle when in reality it’s a compact SUV, but if BMW can call their X6 a coupe I suppose anything goes.

The new CUV has a 2,650mm wheelbase and a length of 4,400mm, which is actually smaller than the BMW X3. It’s more of the length of the short wheelbase latest generation RAV4 with the wheelbase of the long wheelbase RAV4.

The Ssangyong C200 Aero uses a turbocharged 1.8 litre engine while the C200 Eco uses a 2.0 litre turbodiesel. Both are mated to a 6-speed automatic by default but Ssangyong says they will also make available a manual for those who prefer to do their own cog-shifting.

More shots after the jump including one of the interior.

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Ssangyong is in dire straits and is currently under court receivership, but while its financial books get sorted out the show must go on, the Seoul Motor Show that is, and the company will be exhibiting the Ssangyong C200 Eco Concept there.

The C200 is a SUV similiar in size to the Tiguan, RAV4, CR-V and Qashqai and uses Ssangyong’s first monocoque chassis for an SUV. Under its hood is the same 175 horsepower 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine as the first C200 and this is mated to a 6-speed automatic. Ssangyong has also used alot of aluminium in its supension components to help reduce weight. They intend to give the C200 an European feel when it comes to ride and handling.

Also set to be released at the show is a hybrid turbodiesel Kyron, combining Ssangyong’s turbodiesel engine with a Torque Split Deevice which combines or cuts off power with an electric motor. Ssangyong says tests have shown that fuel efficiency can be improved by 25%, while emissions can drop by 10% for nitrogen oxide and 15% for particulates.

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The first manufacturer to hit the dust in this depressing economy could be Chinese-owned South Korean manufacturer Ssangyong. There is a whole list of problems right now happening with the company, which makes trucks and SUVs based on Mercedes-Benz technology, such as the Ssangyong Actyon SUT.

First of all, a huge amount of debt is goin to mature early this year, and Ssangyong needs a cash injection from its Chinese parent SAIC to be able to settle these debts. Things aren’t going that well for Ssangyong financially, as it recently posted its 4th consecutive quarterly loss of US$21 million.

But before SAIC injects any cash into Ssangyong, it wants to make sure the cash will be well-spelt. Ssangyong must restructe its worker union and lower labour costs, which as usual is rejecting any changes, just like their overpaid counterparts in Detroit. Understandable of course, who would want to be paid less in this already tough times, but it’s better to have a job that pays less than no job at all?

The workers union are also asking for the Chinese executives in Ssangyong to resign, obviously oblivious to the fact that a Chinese company owns them. SAIC is obviously not very happy about all of this at all, and there is talk that it may just pull out of Ssangyong and let it sink. Ssangyong has also tried to get aid from the South Korean government, but all it got was a response from the Ministery of Knowledge Economy that the government “is not planning direct financial support” for Ssangyong.

Rather than go into bankruptcy for debt restructuring, an unnamed official from the Korea Development Bank says that it would liquidate the company instead, but no firm decision has been made on this matter.

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You’ve seen the new Cosworth Range Rover Sports, now here’s something else by Azfal Kahn. Based on the Rexton 270 SPR, the Project Kahn Ssangyong Rexton R-Line features 22 inch Kahn Design RST alloy wheels, lowered springs, and a Kahn Design sports exhaust. On the interior you get a combination leather interior using black nappa leather and soft Alcantara, complete with red stitching. A rear spoiler is optional.

The equipment is the same as the 270 SPR, featuring automatic climate control, ESP stability control, active rollover protection, hill descent control, ABS brakes, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers, front and side airbags, electric folding door mirrors and heated seats. The audio system has been removed as it seems their target customer market would most likely want to install their own insanely pimped up sound system – think of multiple subwoofers in specially designed enclosures at the rear.

The 2.7 litre turbodiesel engine under the hood puts out 186 PS and 402Nm of torque from 2,400rpm, mated to a Mercedes-Benz T-Tronic 5-speed auto. The Ssangyong Rexton R-Line comes with a 3-year warranty and 3 years European roadside assistance. Look after the jump for a few more shots of the R-Line Rexton.

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You may not recognise the car you see above as a Ssangyong. Granted its still in concept form but at the same time it’s still a far cry from the odd things you see coming out of their design studio. Trucks like the Actyon are actually very decent but sadly do not enjoy much sales in Malaysia because of its unorthodox looks.

This will all change from now on, and hopefully it will entice more people to try out the Chinese-owned Korean marque with German hearts. The concept above was styled by Giugaro ItalDesign, and is meant to showcase Ssangyong’s future design language. Giugaro is working on the designs of future Ssangyongs, including a total of 20 new models built on 5 new platforms over the period of 5 years beginning 2009.

The C200 is also the first monocoque Ssangyong, and the first front wheel drive car from the company, although an all-wheel driven version of the production car is also planned. Powering it is a 175 PS inline-4 petrol engine mated to a 6-speed auto.

The new model line-up will still consist primarily of the SUVs and trucks that Ssangyong has traditionally built, but more passenger cars other than the Chairman is in the works. Some of the new Ssangyongs will be based on Rover platforms, which parent company SAIC also owns.

Look after the jump for more angles of the C200 Concept.

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Competitive Supreme Sdn Bhd has launched an updated version of the Ssangyong Actyon Sports SUT with a major technical change that should be very welcome – a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This will allow the punchy 2.0 litre XDi 200 XVT engine to stay in its torquey diesel powerband more often, and the cheaper 2.0 litre road tax of RM439.20 will be easier on pockets as well.

The XDi 200 XVT engine is based on Mercedes-Benz technology and features 3rd generation common rail direct injection. It produces 141 PS at 4,000rpm and 310Nm of torque between 1,800rpm and 2,700rpm.

It is mated to a new 6-speed automatic gearbox with Thumbtronic manual shifting control, which allows the user to shift the automatic gearbox gears manually via button controls on the steering wheel. The new 6-speed automatic is sourced from Australian company Drivetrain Systems International. The 4WD system has electronic shift on the fly which allows you to switch from 2-High, 4-High and 4-Low via a dashboard switch.

Other updates to the new Actyon Sports includes a chrome front grille, a Shark Fin style radio antenna, chrome center adjustable air vents, the addition of rear seat belt buckles with storage pockets as well as a driver’s footrest. I noticed that the Actyon was missing the footrest when it was first launched forcing my left foot to rest at a slightly uncomfortable angle, so it is great to hear that Ssangyong and Competitive Supreme has taken feedback from the public into account.

More images of the updated Actyon SUT after the jump.

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Ssangyong has announced that the company will be exhibiting a turbodiesel-hybrid concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show which will improve efficiency of their existing vehicles by about 30%. No other details has been released, so we’ll just have to wait until Geneva rolls by just next month to find out what the Korean manufacturers have in store for us.

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