After one decade of disappearance in the auto industry, SsangYong officially announced today its return to the Philippines under a new management and distributor, SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines.  

SsangYong Philippines, which is under the Berjaya Group of Companies, will give Filipino motorists a new taste of innovation from their 3 newly products: the Rodius MPV, the Korando compact SUV and the Tivoli subcompact SUV.

David Macasadia, Ssangyong Philippines Managing Director
David Macasadia, SsangYong Philippines Managing Director

David Macasadia, a veteran automotive industry executive and former Director of Customer Service at Mazda Philippines, takes the helm as SsangYong Philippines’ Managing Director.

In his welcome remarks, Macasadia, said, “We are proud to present to the Filipino motoring public SsangYong’s three core global products in the Rodius, the Korando and the Tivoli. All these models are designed to address Filipino families’ needs for stylish, durable, economic and dynamic modes of transportation.”

“Our aim is to provide the best service as we uplift the SsangYong brand in the consciousness of the Filipino motorist.” Thus, SsangYong Philippines is welcoming owners of earlier released SsangYong models to visit the upcoming showrooms for servicing and parts requirements,” adds Macasadia.

(From left-right) Tan Eng Hwa, SBMP-CFO; Dato Francis Lee, SBMP chairman; Dave Macasadia, SBMP Managing Director; Sanjeev Saksena, SsangYong Motor Company, export division, managing director; and Seong-Rae Kim, SYMC - Asia/KD export, general manager at the official signing ceremony held at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.
(From left-right) Tan Eng Hwa, SBMP-CFO; Dato Francis Lee, SBMP Chairman; Dave Macasadia, SBMP Managing Director; Sanjeev Saksena, SsangYong Motor Company Export Division Managing Director; and Seong-Rae Kim, SYMC-Asia/KD Export General Manager at the official signing ceremony held at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

He further explained, “This is how SsangYong aims to establish a strong connection with its former and future customers. SsangYong Philippines will further expand its network to address the wants and needs of the growing market.”

According to SsangYong, the 3 initial vehicle offerings are aimed to cater to families and individuals who are passionate about being unique—constantly asserting themselves above the ordinary and conventional; and thus thriving in usurping hip and up-to-date trendsetting designs.

SsangYong Rodius is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged Direct Injection diesel.

Rodius

The compact Crossover Korando offers 2 variants—a 2-liter gasoline, 2-liter CRDi diesel.

Korando

While their subcompact SUV SsangYong Tivoli is equipped with 1.6-liter Dual-CVVT gasoline mated to either six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

Tivoli

To see and appreciate all SsangYong vehicles, visit their booth at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS).

*Photos by Ronald Delos Reyes