It seems as if SsangYong is planning on building a hardcore 4×4 that could rival the iconic Jeep Wrangler.
Why is SsangYong considering this? Well, the company wants to establish itself in the US, and it views a Wrangler-like vehicle as a good way to spearhead this project.
The first iteration of this idea was seen at the Seoul Motor Show, where SsangYong revealed the XAV Concept – a vehicle clearly inspired by SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
According to Autocar, the “SSangYong Wrangler” could be inspired by the XAV, but with a short wheelbase and more retro styling – think Wrangler meets 1996 Korando.
“The company has never cracked North America because it requires a huge investment,” and insider told Autocar. “And because the distributor model that we use in other territories wouldn’t really work in the USA. But a Wrangler-style high-design 4×4 could create the waves we’d need in order to make a mark over there. At the same time, it’d work really well for us in the UK and Europe at a time when building profile is absolutely key.”
* SsangYong XAV Concept pictured