With an impressive fifty year heritage in the manufacture of 4x4 vehicles, Ssanyong - meaning double dragons - began life in 1954 building Jeeps for the US Army, as well as fire trucks, buses and mixers. The expertise developed in the commercial sector was transferred to passenger transport in 1988, when the company developed a 4WD SUV, Korando, which was the first of its kind to be manufactured in Korea.
With investment from Mercedes Benz AG in the 1990s, Ssanyong got the distribution it needed to become a respected and established player in the 4x4 market. In 2001, the Ssangyong Rexton was warmly received, thanks to its rugged off road credentials and refined styling. In May 2004 the Ssangyong Rodius make an equally big impact in the MPV arena. Likewise the Ssangyong Rexton, Ssangyong Kyron and Ssangyong Rodius are all sought after vehicles by savvy 4x4 drivers.