Steve has a wealth of experience in the role having worked for several leading UK automotive brands, including SEAT, Jeep, Honda, Mitsubishi Motor, and MG Motors UK, throughout a 20-plus-year career. Specialising in sales prospecting, sales strategies, and product management, he will head up the newly expanded fifth sales region for SsangYong Motors UK.

“We are very excited to have Steve join the team, to support our expanding network of dealer partners” said Clive Messenger, Sales Director at SsangYong Motor UK. “His experience in the industry and detailed knowledge of the local markets combined with his passion for customer satisfaction will allow him to build a great relationship with our dealer partners. We congratulate him on his new role and wish him the best of luck.”

About the campaign, Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motor UK, said; “We appreciate that SsangYong is currently a niche brand in the UK market, and that some people won’t have heard of us before. To reinforce that we are a serious player with an outstanding model range – and to alleviate any doubt at all – we have launched our new retail campaign and urge people to “test drive their doubts away” with no obligation. The strong 3-year service plan, which runs alongside our comprehensive 5-year warranty, presents an attractive, stress free option for buyers, especially at a time of economic turmoil.”

The offer is valid at all participating SsangYong dealerships, nationwide from 1st October to 31st December, 2023.

Terms and conditions apply. 8.9% APR representative Hire Purchase /PCP finance available, at participating dealers until 31st December 2023 through SsangYong Financial Services, a trading name of Northridge Finance, BT1 5LR. Finance subject to status, availability, and terms and conditions. Applicants must be 18 or over. Offer only applies in the UK (excludes Channel Islands & I.O.M). Offer may be amended or withdrawn at any time. SsangYong Motors UK Ltd is a credit broker not lender. Typically, commission may be received. For full terms and conditions visit www.ssangyonggb.co.uk

The Group is now in its fourth generation of the Pyne family and still holds customer service to an incredibly high standard. The new showroom, with high-quality sales and aftersales facilities for SsangYong customers, is located on Corfe Road, Stoborough, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5AA and is open at full capacity with immediate effect.

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, said “We are very happy that Purbeck Motors are joining our franchise. With extensive knowledge, excellent motor industry experience, and a strong customer-centric ethic, we know that customers will be taken care of at Purbeck. We are very much looking forward to working with the Purbeck team, and we welcome them on board.”

Richard Custard, general manager of Purbeck Motors, said; “Our partnership with SsangYong is a fantastic opportunity and one that we really want to make the most of with the brand. Our customers and their needs are paramount to everything we do, and we are excited to be able to offer quality, reliable SsangYong vehicles and parts to our customers. We join at an exciting time, just as the brand launches a facelift Musso, Rexton and Tivoli, as well as the brand-new Torres early next year. We look forward to welcoming our customers into the showroom, where they can experience the vehicles for themselves and browse the wonderful offers that we have available.”

The SsangYong showroom provides visiting customers with a fantastic space to browse the brand’s multiple-award winning model line-up, which includes the Rexton, Musso, Korando, the fully electric Korando e-Motion (pictured) and Tivoli (pictured). In addition, there is a SsangYong aftersales centre, offering servicing, MOT, repairs, approved parts and accident repairs approved to BSI standards. It is a comfortable environment, where punters can enjoy refreshments and free Wi-Fi also.

Purbeck Motors will also stock a selection of approved used SsangYong cars, maintained to high standards and each with the remainder of a highly regarded and comprehensive SsangYong warranty. With vehicles to suit any individual need, Purbeck should be first on the list for those looking for a change of vehicle in Stoborough, Wareham, and surrounding areas.

Opening in August of 2022, Reach offers those with learning and or physical disabilities high quality care and provision during daytime hours, evenings and weekends. As well as this, they offer meaningful activities and projects for the individuals in the programme. The aim is to equip those in their care with the skills and understanding required for an independent life, creating appropriate and specific task plans for each individual within the programme.

Director of Reach Social Enterprises, Neil Gedge commented the following on the donation: “We would like to thank SsangYong and Stephen Bucci in particular, Customer and Technical Manager at the company, for identifying and selecting us as the beneficiary of these laptops. They have been put to good use already and our visitors have really enjoyed learning more technical skills.”

Interim HR Manager at SsangYong Motor UK, Zara McDonald said the following about the donation: “SsangYong are continuing to commit to some fantastic social causes in 2023, and this latest donation is something that I am delighted with. For such a new organisation, Reach are making a massive impact in Southampton and positively influencing so many young lives.”

One of the provisions at Reach is design and product creation, its members manufacturing a number of different wares that are available to sell on site. The donated laptops have proven important already for this, being set to use in designing graphics and running printing software.

SsangYong plans to continue to contribute to more important social and charitable causes in 2023.

The partnership will see the opening of a brand-new SsangYong dealership in Shrewsbury, with a purpose-built showroom located at Unit 1 Civic Park, Vanguard Way, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury.

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, said “We are thrilled to welcome JT Hughes to the SsangYong franchise. The group endeavours give its customers a high quality and trustworthy service and has values that match up with our own. We are very much looking forward to working with the team in Shrewsbury and welcome them on board”.

The Shrewsbury based showroom has modern facilities and provides customers with a relaxing environment, providing a hospitality area to enjoy complementary refreshments, as well as free Wi-Fi. Visiting customers can appraise the brands multiple-award winning and stylish model line-up, which includes the Rexton, Musso, Tivoli and Korando. In addition, there is a full JT Hughes SsangYong aftersales centre less than a mile away from the showroom, offering servicing, MOT, repairs, and approved parts.

The JT Hughes group celebrated 50 years of trading last year and still holds the same standards of customer service as when they began. This addition to the franchise will become the first dealership in Shropshire. John Hughes, Group Managing Director, said: “the partnership with SsangYong is an exciting new chapter in the dealership’s expansion plans. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with SsangYong, a company that’s constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation and design in the car industry.”

“With this new dealership, we’ll be able to offer our customers even more choice when it comes to Pick-ups, SUVs and 4x4s, and we’re confident that SsangYong’s line-up of vehicles will be a fantastic addition to our existing brands.”

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motors UK, said “We are thrilled to welcome Trenton Grimsby to the SsangYong franchise. The group endeavours to provide its customers with excellent and trustworthy service and has values that align with our own. We are very much looking forward to working with the team in Grimsby and welcome them on board”.

The Grimsby based showroom has modern facilities and provides customers with a relaxing environment providing a hospitality area to enjoy complementary refreshments, as well as free Wi-Fi. Visiting customers can appraise the brands multiple-award winning and stylish model line-up, which includes the Rexton, Musso, Tivoli and Korando. In addition, there is a full aftersales centre offering servicing, MOT, repairs, and approved parts.

Trenton Group celebrates almost 40 years of trading this year and still holds the same standards of customer service as when they began. They increase SsangYong’s presence in the Northeast Lincolnshire. Andrew Woodhall, operations director at Trenton Grimsby, said: “We are extremely excited to add the SsangYong range to our showroom here in Grimsby. It is another opportunity for us to showcase our quality services to customers and the quality vehicles that SsangYong continue to produce. We’re very eager to get started.”

On the continued partnership, Emma, commented; “I am so pleased to be on board with SsangYong. My Tivoli has been fantastic and has served me very well over the last couple of years. I’m very excited now to get behind the wheel of a new Korando to see what it has to offer!”

Emma will be producing lifestyle-based content for the auto brand, geared towards her significant fan base across a variety of social media sites. The Korando is the perfect vehicle for this, practical and comfortable, with enough space and cargo room for Emma when she is travelling.

Having released a number of EPs since her debut album, Human Behaviour, in 2012, Emma founded her own record label in 2018, and released the album Villains in the same year. In January 2023, Emma teased a brand-new EP, to be released later this year.

Kevin Griffin, managing director for SsangYong Motors UK said: “We are delighted to retain Emma as a brand ambassador for us in 2023. As we aim to continue to raise the profile of our brand in the UK, Emma is instrumental in reaching different audiences. We want to thank her for the faith that she has in us and in SsangYong.”

As the cost of living in the UK continues to rise, SsangYong Motors UK has decided to extend their suite of offers designed to give customers the option of “complete peace of mind” on purchases of any model across its product range. Its partnership with leading automotive aftersales partner, EMaC, provides customers with a 4-year service plan for just £400, with the added bonus of 3-years RAC breakdown cover and the cost of the vehicles 1st MOT included. A low rate 6.9% APR representative HP finance offer is still available to UK customers. And now SsangYong has made this offer even more flexible, by introducing the 5-4-3-2-1 campaign to PCP customers too, which carries the same 6.9% APR representative rate.

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motor UK, said “It’s essential to offer an affordable, tailored approach to motoring costs at today’s pricing to ensure consumer peace of mind for the future – the SsangYong 5-4-3-2-1 plan does just that. Additional added value items such as an MOT cost and extended roadside recovery are appealing to consumers – bundling these into a package offer is a real benefit and ensures certainty that motoring bills are covered.”

5 – The SsangYong vehicle range, built in South Korea, has proven to be outstandingly reliable giving us the confidence to provide a comprehensive 5-year / 100,000 mile warranty on diesel and petrol vehicles .[1] Demonstrating its commitment and confidence to its to customers, SsangYong has quality built into every component ensuring that vehicle will stand the test of time.
4 – Regular maintenance is a major factor in prolonged vehicle life, sustained performance and trouble-free motoring. To help in achieving this, SsangYong Motors has developed a plan of inspection and service operations to be carried out at given intervals, performed by a SsangYong authorised repairer who will have trained technicians and genuine parts. This plan covers the first 4-scheduled services at a special offer price of just £400, including VAT, across all models and derivatives in the SsangYong range.
3 – Hire purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) car finance allows customers to buy a car without having to pay everything upfront. The balance of the car’s value together with the interest can then be paid in monthly instalments over a set period of time. This SsangYong 3-year or longer deal offers low rate finance at 6.9% APR representative across all vehicles in the range with a minimum deposit of 15% [2], from its Tivoli and Korando to its award-winning Musso and flagship Rexton 7-seat, SUV.
2 – Every SsangYong vehicle comes with 1-years breakdown cover as standard. SsangYong Assistance is a breakdown service provided in partnership with the RAC and gives SsangYong owners complete peace of mind throughout the UK and mainland Europe. It’s normally standard for 12-months with every new SsangYong, however the 5-4-3-2-1 campaign includes 2-additional years of RAC breakdown cover, totalling 3-years, free of charge.
1 – Once a vehicle is 3-years old (4-years in Northern Ireland) it must be tested each year to check it meets road safety and environmental standards. This Ministry of Transport test is commonly known as an ‘MOT’. With SsangYong’s 5-4-3-2-1 offer, the cost of the vehicles first MOT is covered for free, excluding any unlikely remedial works.

The Musso long bed Saracen+ uses the same chassis and platform as its regular double cab variants however the new-spec Saracen+ model features an additional 12-inches in bed length, increasing volume capacity in the load area. Plastic lined and with a sturdy rear tailgate, the load area is capable of hauling greater loads whilst the double cab’s spacious interior can still seat five adults in comfort.

As well the extra 12-inches in length, its exterior styling has been upgraded with black finished door mirrors, beltline and tailgate finisher. More dramatically, SsangYong has added new, stylish, black 18” alloy wheels and 255/60 tyres increasing its road presence.

Underneath its bold exterior, all Musso variants are powered by an e-XDi220 engine, delivering 202ps at 3,800rpm and maximum torque of 441Nm at 1,600 to 2,600rpm combined with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. This highly efficient, quiet, and proven engine delivers progressive acceleration from a standing start, and strong low-end torque, typical of all SsangYong power units. A new addition to the Musso Saracen+ and upgrade in line with the rest of the range is the addition of double wishbone suspension, and dual coil springs, ensuring impressive towing and payload capabilities – Musso is the only truck to legally tow 3.5-tonnes and carry more than 1-tonne simultaneously.

The range specification line-up is now as follows:

Musso EX
The Euro 6d compliant short-bed EX offers the market-entry vehicle that is built for a hard day’s work at an unbeatable price. It comes with newly designed 17” alloy wheels, a DAB audio/Bluetooth system, 6- airbags, electric windows, remote central locking that includes the tailgate, manual air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and AdBlue. The EX is available with manual transmission only.

Musso Rebel
The short bed Rebel builds on the EX specification, adding roof rails, an 8” smart audio infotainment system with Google CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view reversing camera, leather-look seats, front seats that are both heated and ventilated, heated leather steering wheel, black and silver side steps, new triple LED front fog lights and Rebel graphics. The Rebel is available with automatic transmission only.

Musso Saracen
Adding a premium feel, short bed Saracen is instantly recognisable black exterior pack, its newly designed 18-inch black alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, power adjustable drivers and front passenger seats, heated rear seats, dual zone automatic climate control, a 9.2” screen with TomTom navigation, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and Saracen graphics. Saracen also boasts an upgraded instrument panel, projection headlamps, LED daylight running lights, triple LED fog lights, dark tinted rear privacy glass, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The Saracen is available with automatic transmission only.

Musso Saracen+
The Musso Saracen+ offers the comprehensive specification of the Saracen possessing each of the aforementioned features, with the addition of increased bed length and wheelbase, extra payload, ground clearance and Saracen+ graphics. Featuring new styling pack, new wheels and tyres, coil springs and wishbone suspension. The Saracen+ is undoubtedly a must try for anyone looking for a capable utility vehicle. Available with automatic transmission only.

The “We invest in people” framework defines the dynamic to lead, support, and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results, and to continually improve as an organisation. Having surpassed the core accredited award, SsangYong Motor UK has secured the coveted silver award in the first attempt.

Kevin Griffin, managing director at SsangYong Motor UK, said: “The team is justifiably proud of this achievement, and we are committed not only to maintaining the silver standard, but to exceeding it in the future. We have been working with Investors in People because we recognise that our people are our biggest asset, and we’re determined to improve the way we manage, develop, and lead our staff. The Investors in People accreditation programme tells us what we are doing well and how we can improve as part of a process of continuous improvement as an employer. Most of all, I would like to congratulate and celebrate all our staff for this accomplishment!”

The Investors in People, “We invest in people” silver accreditation acknowledges that SsangYong Motor UK has established practices for the range of impact criteria set out in the framework, and demonstrates consistent engagement, and activation throughout these practices. The framework covers business strategy, learning and development strategy, people management strategy, leadership and management strategy, management effectiveness, recognition and reward, involvement and empowerment, learning and development, performance measurement and continuous improvement.

Gwen Powell, Investors In People practitioner, said; “Silver is a great level as a first baseline for SsangYong Motor UK. They have proven processes in place demonstrate good engagement. We look forward to working with the team as they develop further in their Investors in People journey.”

On collecting his new vehicle, Fuzz, said; “I’ve really enjoyed working with the team at SsangYong and spreading the word about their great vehicles – I’ve had a Rexton for a little while now and I think it’s fantastic. Its comfortable, versatile, reliable and very capable, towing up to three and a half tonnes, which is perfect for moving my various project cars around! SsangYong has emerged as a serious player in the automotive sector for those looking for a quality, value for money SUV or pick-up truck.”

The handover took place at SsangYong’s dealer partner, Ashby and Mann in Hinckley this week. A family run company, Ashby and Mann provides aftersales services to Fuzz and scores of other SsangYong customers in Hinckley and the wider Leicestershire area. The showroom has modern, clean facilities and knowledgeable sales staff and technicians who truly understands a customer’s requirement.

Steve Whyatt, general manager at Ashby and Mann, commented: “We have had the pleasure of looking after Fuzz’s SsangYong vehicles for a while now and this really means a lot to us. He is someone who has been on our screens for over ten years, so his trust in us to maintain his car is something that we value extremely highly.”

As well as presenting Car SOS, Fuzz is also a mechanic and former technical editor of Practical Classics. A drummer in a band, he learnt to play from local jazz musician Al Reed, making his stage debut in 1977 at the age of 12. He signed with Echo Records in 1997 and released his first album, ‘Far In’ in the UK in 1999 and US in 2001. He began presenting Car SOS, broadcast on the National Geographic Channel in 2012.

Kevin Griffin, Managing Director for SsangYong Motors UK said: “Fuzz’s continued commitment to the brand is a sign that experts in the automotive industry understand the value of our product. His enthusiasm and technical knowledge make him the perfect brand ambassador for us, and we are so pleased to be presenting him with a new Rexton today.”

The judging panel is made up of Scotland’s leading motoring journalists and experts – representing a variety of major print, online and radio outlets. SCOTY judges, all members of the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW), have been repeatedly impressed by the Musso’s winning combination of capability, build quality, space, refinement, comfort, excellent warranty and value for money.

ASMW president, Jack McKeown, said: “The SsangYong Musso is one of the least expensive pick-ups in the market, yet one of the most impressive. Incredible off-road prowess, excellent towing, and cargo capacities make it a real workhorse. Take it on a longer journey and its high levels of refinement will surprise you.”

Designed to carry passengers in comfort and transport loads securely, the SUV-based Musso combines a five-seat crew-cab body style with a workman-like load deck that will take a full-sized Euro pallet, and some.  It also carries a payload of over 1-tonne and tows trailers of up to 3.5 tonnes concurrently to give the highest total load capacity in the segment.  This combination of utility pick-up and SUV means Musso offers the perfect blend of functionality, practicality, performance and comfort to the driver and family or workmates.

Kevin Griffin, managing director of SsangYong Motor UK, said:  “Winning ‘Best Utility/ 4×4’ at the Scottish Car of the Year awards  is yet another achievement, and it’s testament to how fantastic Musso is. Musso is an extremely competent multi-purpose truck with SsangYong values to its core – comprehensively equipped, a class leading 7-year/150,000-mile warranty wrapped up in a value for money package. Musso continues to win awards, which speaks volumes about the modern SsangYong product range.”

Inside, Musso is exceptionally well equipped compared with other pick-ups, and as well as offering excellent shoulder and leg room front and rear, Nappa leather seats can be found on the top of the range model for added luxury and comfort.  DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity feature across the range, while all but the entry level model feature a state-of-the-art infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

This latest award for Musso joins honours from Carbuyer, 4×4 Magazine, WhatCar? and Diesel Car Magazine.