U.S. to see Ssangyong SUV’s in 2-5 Years

[MahindraPlanet]

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Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept via PickupTrucks.com/Jalopnik.com Ssangyong Motor Co. Chairman, Yoo Lee, has told Automotive News (via AutoWeek) that his company ultimately intends to sell its...

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[MahindraPlanet]

I should elaborate on the article for the sake of generating conversation: Mike Levine (PickupTrucks.com) via Twitter conversations (@PickupTrucks) feels that Mahindra does not intend to bring Mahindra pickups to the US. He feels that Mahindra will elect to bring Ssangyong vehicles here instead, and that they will not be sold under either the Mahindra or Ssangyong brand names. He thinks M&M will create a new brand for the US market.

Keep in mind that Ssangyong has created a very worldly vehicle with the new Korando C. The SUT 1 concept pickup they showed in Geneva last week is probably based on that platform. Ssangyong also has a body-on-frame pickup called the Actyon Sports which has the appearance and quality that the average American buyer may find more appealing than the quirky TR pickups. Flame away.

[OldJackPine]

What attracted me to the Mahindra was its long bed and high load capacity. What I came to like was its odd quirky looks. It would never be mistaken for another brand. Now it sounds like they want to blend in with the other 2 or 3 smaller trucks that should be here by 2014.

I realize that creating a product that sells is the goal. I am not so sure that creating more of the same is the way to do that.

[pee wee]

I didn't see anything in the Ssangyong line that would work for me- four doors and a small truck bed= no good. Maybe if they come up with a real pickup truck to take the place of the TR20 I'd look at it, but whoever makes it it's got to have capability first, economy second, comfort third, and looks fourth. I can't speak for anybody else.

[howam00]

Originally Posted by pee wee

I didn't see anything in the Ssangyong line that would work for me- four doors and a small truck bed= no good. Maybe if they come up with a real pickup truck to take the place of the TR20 I'd look at it, but whoever makes it it's got to have capability first, economy second, comfort third, and looks fourth. I can't speak for anybody else.

their new concepts looks really good but I agree that an SUT will never serve for truck purposes. If they can get back to a useable bed size (say 6 feet-ish) and a decent payload and tow ratings then they will have a winner.

[JoBo]

Can you spell UGLY

[Andy]

Initially I thought the name Mahindra, and then the name Ssangyong were horrible. But now I don't think they are that bad. I don't think the name Ssangyong is that much more difficult than the name Hyundai

Maybe the re-brand for the US will be Sangyong instead of Ssangyong

[MahindraPlanet]

The TR looks have grown on me for sure. When I think 'Mahindra pickup', I instantly think of the current TR and I also like that it is absolutely unique. But I'm a guy who loves UNIMOG's and Walter Snow Fighters.

The Ssangyong products look good, but look genericly Asian at the same time. Can Mahindra really bring them here cheaper and better quality than a Kia Sportage? Aside from a diesel engine, the Korando would be yet another 'me too' small SUV in a flooded market. I would love to be a fly on the wall in Mahindra's marketing meetings.

I believe a bare bones, sorta-ugly looking, reasonably priced, very heavy duty small pickup that creates it's own niche is a better bet for developing an original brand identity and a strong following.

[pee wee]

Originally Posted by MahindraPlanet

The TR looks have grown on me for sure. When I think 'Mahindra pickup', I instantly think of the current TR and I also like that it is absolutely unique. But I'm a guy who loves UNIMOG's and Walter Snow Fighters.


I believe a bare bones, sorta-ugly looking, reasonably priced, very heavy duty small pickup that creates it's own niche is a better bet for developing an original brand identity and a strong following.

I totally agree. You mean kind of like the Willy's jeep morphed into the whole Jeep brand? (and Mahindra, come to think of it)

[Mikeo]

I believe a bare bones, sorta-ugly looking, reasonably priced, very heavy duty small pickup that creates it's own niche is a better bet for developing an original brand identity and a strong following.

I also agree, the TR20 would be a great upgrade for my 88 Jeep Comanche and wouldn't scare the cows like that Korean truck.