SsangYong is reportedly planning to introduce three new vehicles by 2024, including a fully-electric ute that could come to Australia.
The Korean brand has endured years of financial strife but appears to have turned a corner after local steel works company KG Group acquired a majority stake earlier this year.
SsangYong confirmed three other models will join the new Torres in the coming years
Leading its aspirations for a more financially stable future is the rugged Torres midsize SUV, which was unveiled to much fanfare back in July.
At the time, SsangYong president and Co-CEO Chung Yong-Won reportedly told The Korea Herald that it planned to launch a wide line-up of vehicles to stabilise the brand.
“In the second half of next year, we will launch a midsize electric SUV which will be an innovative model that will outpace other models in the same category,” he said, likely alluding to an electrified version of the Torres.
“In mid-2024, we will launch a product under the code name ‘KR10,’” he continued “which is a reinterpretation of our traditional Korando model.”
A spyshot of the KR10 (right) was shared online following the launch of the Torres (left). Image credit Autopost
The vehicle in question was teased last year via a concept drawing, showing off rugged Ford Bronco-like styling.
Earlier this year, a spy shot of an uncovered KR10 was shared by Korean website Autopost, picturing the electric 4WD next to the Torres well ahead of its official reveal.
Chung went on to say “in the second half of 2024, we will launch an electric pickup truck, which no other domestic carmaker has attempted,” in a jab at rival car manufacturers Kia and Hyundai, though the pair are expected to release more utes in the future.
Sketches of the KR10 show off a rugged and capable SUV
What will the SsangYong ute look like?
With three new models on the horizon and a fourth, in the Torres, headed to showrooms in 2023, it’s clear that SsangYong is betting big on its future ambitions.
The news comes after another report indicated SsangYong was working on an electrified version of the body-on-frame Musso with huge batteries measuring between 110 to 220kWh in size and providing a driving range of up to 1100 kilometres on a single charge.
Previous reports indicate Ssangyong is working on a long range EV version of the Musso
Given the short two-year lead-time before the release, it would make sense that the electric ute would be based on the existing Musso – which would also save on development costs.
But, equally, the new electric ute could be based on the many SUVs currently in the works at SsangYong, providing a more lifestyle-focused approach for buyers, similar to the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Ultimately it remains to be seen what models emerge from the Korean brand in the forthcoming years but its commitment to the Australian market through some tumultuous times leaves us hopeful that many of these new vehicles will make it to our shores.
