SsangYong is going to be the third South Korean brand in US market following Hyundai and Kia
Mahindra has inaugurated its first production plant in USA. The Detroit facility comes with lot of significance, considering the brand’s dream to expand its business in the country. Now, the Indian auto major is also gearing up to introduce the Korean auto brand and its subsidiary SsangYong to US market. Upon launch, SsangYong is going to be the third Korean automaker in US after Hyundai and Kia.
While Mahindra Group’s executive chairman Anand Mahindra has hinted the launch of SsangYong in US, the launch timeline is yet to be announced. Considering the popularity Hyundai and Kia vehicles have received in the US market, Mahindra is hopeful about similar success of SsangYong as well. However, it is not clear, which SangYong models will be introduced there.
Also read: Mahindra Roxor Off-Road Vehicle To Be Powered By 1.6L SsangYong Engine
Currently, Mahindra is preparing is to launch its new off-roader in the US market that will be a more advanced version of Thar SUV. The SUV will be produced in the auto major’s Detroit plant and it will go on sale in 2018. Mahindra aims to roll out 12,000 units of the car in US every year.
Interestingly, Mahindra Roxor will come drawing power from SsangYong’s 1.6-litre engine. This clearly shows how the two auto manufacturers will work in US market with close co-operation. This same 1.6-litre engine is likely to be used in the India-spec Mahindra MPV that is codenamed as U321 and ready to compete with Toyota Innova Crysta upon arrival.
Also read: 2018 Mahindra XUV500 Facelift Spotted Testing Again Revealing Interior
Despite being based on Mahindra Thar, the Roxor will come much more appealing and aggressive looking. Also, expect it to arrive offering much more upmarketness, compared to the Thar’s spartan appearance. Mahindra claims, Roxor will come as a rugged utilitarian instead of a family focused city runner. So far, Mahindra is hopeful to grab attention of the buyers in US and this vehicle is going to play a key role in the brand’s global expansion strategy.