Brand reveals new name
SsangYong New Zealand has announced it is joining its international counterparts and rebranding to KGM Motors as it prepares for the arrival of the new KGM Torres SUV this month.
The company says the change signifies a refresh of the brand’s vision, with a focus on the next generation of mobility solutions and incorporating technologies such as electrification, autonomous driving and artificial intelligence.
In New Zealand, the new name will sit alongside the marque’s winged logo, which pays homage to KGM’s heritage since its inception in 1954.
Daile Stephens, KGM New Zealand’s head of brand marketing, says the renaming of SsangYong is an opportunity to rebrand and make an impact in the New Zealand market.
“We are thrilled to have the chance to start afresh with KGM and will be investing significantly in the brand,” she adds.
“We have a lot of faith in the KGM product, which comes with a solid engineering base and produces well-spec’d, reliable vehicles.
“We are embracing the change here in New Zealand with today being the start of a new journey to transform KGM into a brand for the future and continue to grow as a proud and respected SUV and ute brand.”
The official transition from SsangYong to KGM will happen at the end of March and the rebranding will take effect across its dealer network over the coming months.
This month will also see the arrival of the all-new KGM Torres, pictured, the first vehicle to be produced under the KG Mobility ownership, with petrol and battery electric models available for the New Zealand market.
Made in South Korea
KGM Global was originally founded as Ha Dong-Hwan Automobile Manufacturing in January 1954, before changing its name to Dong-A Motors in 1977.
In 1988, the brand became SsangYong Motor Company, which was acquired by KGM Global with a majority shareholding in 2023.
The acquisition signalled its entry into the automotive industry with a strategic focus on new product and electrification.
KGM Global is a Korean car manufacturer specialising in 4x4s, SUVs, MPVs and utes. The headquarters for KG Mobility is in the Gangnam district of South Korea’s capital, Seoul, and its principal vehicle manufacturing plant is at Pyeongtaek, which has the capacity to produce 240,000 cars a year.
The company has invested in a new factory, in the same area, which has been developed specifically to accommodate the production of pure-electric vehicles.
KGM in New Zealand
Inchcape expanded its presence in New Zealand in August 2023 with the acquisition of SsangYong distribution and retail with five owned dealerships in Auckland, Taupo, Wellington and Christchurch.
Inchcape has the goal of “bringing mobility to the world’s communities, for today, for tomorrow and for the better”. The group is headquartered in London and employs about 19,000 people worldwide.
