Mahindra & Mahindra-owned automaker SsangYong has its eyes set on the United States market with two small SUVs.
Speaking to AutomotiveNews during the 2016 Paris Auto Show, the brand’s CEO, Choi Johng-sik, recognizes the country’s important role in the segment and admits that the Koreans are almost ready to bring their products on the other side of the pond.
“America is very, very competitive, so we need to build a good brand. That’s why we’re now preparing completely new products“, the official said.
As for the two vehicles that will be launched in the US by the end of the decade, the first one will be an upgraded version of the Tivoli compact crossover, while the second one will be a new variant of the Korando. The latter will be underpinned by the same platform as the smaller model and both of them will be available with four-wheel drive.
In order to make the two crossovers more competitive in their new market, SsangYong will launch them with two new four-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol engines – a 162 HP 1.5-liter and a 220 HP 2.0-liter – developed specifically for the US.
Note: SsangYong Tivoli XLV pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
