SsangYong Motors has changed its company name to KG Mobility, taking the first step towards transforming into a future mobility company.
During a shareholder meeting held at their Pyeongtaek headquarters on the 22nd, the company confirmed the name change to KG Mobility in the presence of CEO Jung Yong-won, relevant executives, and shareholders.
KG Mobility originated as Hadonghwan Automobile Manufacturing Company in January 1954, making it the oldest automotive company in South Korea. After becoming Dong-A Automobile in 1977 and then SsangYong Motors in 1988, this marks a new name after 35 years, solidifying its status as a leading SUV manufacturer in South Korea with over 70 years of automotive history.
The term “mobility” encapsulates a range of future-oriented technological developments and applications that go beyond traditional automobile manufacturing and sales, including electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity, as well as the mobility services provided based on these technologies.
KG Mobility plans to focus on mobility technologies such as EV-exclusive platforms, Software Defined Vehicles (SDV), autonomous vehicles, and AI in line with the changing paradigm of the new automotive market.
The Seoul Mobility Show will serve as a venue to announce the company’s transformation into a mobility enterprise with the unveiling of various design concept models such as the electric vehicle Torres EVX, KR10, O100, and F100.
Alongside the name change, the company introduced a new brand slogan: ‘Go Different. KG MOBILITY’. This reflects both the journey that SsangYong Motors has taken thus far and the future direction it aims to challenge.
Having a rich history intertwined with the South Korean automotive industry, SsangYong Motors opened the era of four-wheel drive vehicles with its independent technology, establishing the first full lineup of SUVs in South Korea. With the change to KG Mobility, the company aims to solidify its mission to evolve into a future mobility enterprise.
KG Mobility plans to enter various new business ventures, including a certified used car business and specialized vehicle manufacturing sector.
The certified used car business will involve purchasing KG Mobility (SsangYong) brand vehicles that are within five years old or 100,000 km, conducting performance inspections and repairs, and then selling certified quality used cars. The company aims to fully prepare business operations, including sales and maintenance organizations, by the first half of this year, with plans to commence in the second half.
In addition, the company is working on creating a separate entity to strengthen its automotive customizing products segment, which includes currently sold electric side steps and Deck-Top products, alongside manufacturing and selling specialty vehicles.
Meanwhile, to preserve and develop the heritage of its authentic SUV brand under its new name, KG Mobility is preparing a design contest as part of establishing its future design vision. The first round of applications will open in April, followed by finalist selections, with the winners announced in June.
Furthermore, in conjunction with the name change, KG Mobility will carry out a ‘KG Mobility Rebound Promotion’ with POSCO. KG Mobility has maintained a close partnership with POSCO from the new vehicle development stage, applying advanced high-strength materials. From March 22 to 25, the Torres and New Rexton Sports vehicles will be displayed at POSCO’s headquarters in Pohang and the Gwangyang Steelworks.
A KG Mobility official stated, “We have changed our name after 35 years and have taken the first step towards transformation and development as a future mobility enterprise. In the future, we will concentrate on developing EV exclusive platforms, SDVs, autonomous vehicles, AI, and other mobility technologies, becoming a respected partner in future mobility and a company we can be proud of.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr