SsangYong plans 20 new models in five years
Korean manufacturer plots a major productive offensive to grow its global market shareSouth Korea's SangYong has announced its bold plans to introduce no less than 20 new models from 2009 to 2014 at a cost of $3.2 billion.
According to the manufacturer, the new models will be based on five different platforms -- all monocoque-based -- and derive power from five new engines.
A press release issued by the company says vaunted Italian styling house Italdesign, founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro, will be involved, having already styled the latest Rexton (pictured).
The concerted product offensive over the next five years will "mean a wider and more attractive range with much greater choice for customers," boasts the company.
"There will be different body styles and engines including passenger cars that will enable us to compete strongly in new market sectors."
Another of the brand's trump cards will be its new diesel hybrid technology -- unveiled at last month's Geneva Motor Show. The South Korean company claims these powertrains can slash CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by a sizeable 30 per cent.
SsangYong's 'soft' diesel-electric hybrid pairs a 30kW electric motor with an advanced direct injection diesel engine, with a 340V high-voltage battery supplying power to the former.
The diesel-electric powertrain is controlled by a Torque Split Device (TSD) -- independently developed by SsangYong -- which activates and deactivates the electric motor, as required.
As for the diesel engine, SsangYong says it has reduced the compression ratio and developed a more efficient injection system to quell the clacking combustion noise that afflicts most oil-burners.
Company boffins are also focussing on "tuning the quality of tones" so that harsh noise is not generated from the engine. As part of this process, SsangYong is working hard to increase the rigidity of its engines.
For 20 years, SsangYong has been using engines and gearboxes made under licence from Mercedes-Benz, but -- like its Hyundai and Kia compatriots -- the marque is becoming increasingly self-sufficient and ambitious, signalling a move into more mainstream cars.
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