Ssangyong set to return to the Irish market
Ssangyong is set to return to the new car market in the Republic of Ireland.
Ssangyong Motors Ireland is seeking dealers throughout Ireland. Dealerships have been receiving emails requesting interest in becoming a Ssangyong main dealer.
The emails, seen by AutoTrade.ie request expressions of interest to be made to distribution@smotorsirl.com
The business name ‘ SsangYong Motors Ireland ‘ was registered in Ireland on January 8, this year.
The information sent to dealers says: “SsangYong is a franchise set to grow, and it means business. With a new owner, a world renowned distributor, and in Korando a competitive crossover model, the Korean car maker is a growing force in the marketplace. This no nonsense franchise is fresh, transparent and designed to help you make money with the minimum of fuss.”
SsangYong Korea is now majority owned by Indian multinational Mahindra and Mahindra, which has ambitious plans to develop the Ssangyong brand through export sales and the launch of new products.
The proposed SsangYong range for the Republic includes the all-new Korando, targeting the fastest growing segment of the Irish car market – compact crossovers. Alongside the Korando will be a lifestyle pick-up. And also coming in 2013 are updated versions of seven seater Rexton and Rodius, which SsangYong says gives it a strong opportunity in the heavy 4×4 and large MPV markets. It adds that all models come with a fuel efficient 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine.
A spokesman for Ssangyong Motors Ireland told AutoTrade.ie that the new distributor is interested in dealers with a good car sales background.
SsangYong in Northern Ireland
There are six SsangYong dealerships in operation in Northern Ireland under the jurisdiction of SsangYong UK. They are: Donnelly & Taggart (Eglinton); Donnelly Dungannon; Donnelly Enniskillen; Donnelly Mallusk; Kehoe Kars Ltd, Newry and Pat Kirk Ltd, Strabane.
The Northern Ireland dealerships currently offer four passenger vehicles – the Korando, Rexton, Rodius and Korando Sports. They also offer three four-wheel-drive light commercial vehicles – the Korando CSX, Korando Sports pick-up, and the Rexton CS.
SsangYong UK website states that all SsangYong vehicles are covered by a 5 year limitless mileage warranty. As well as the engine and drivetrain cover, and the anti-corrosion warranty, the SsangYong warranty covers common items such as wheel bearings, suspension and steering joints, bushes and shock absorbers. It also covers brake pads and clutch friction plates for a year or 12,000 miles.
