Ssangyong sset to ssoar

SSANGYONG is expecting big things from its two small SUV series.

The Kyron-based Actyon four-door wagon arrives in early 2007 to battle the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.

It will also be joined by a Actyon four-door utility known as the Sport, replacing the well-received but ageing Musso Sport, which dates back to the Musso wagon of 1993 (1996 in Australia).

Along with a facelifted Kyron due in the second quarter of next year, Ssangyong sales should rise significantly.

This year it expects to sell around 2000 units. About 4000 is the target in 2007.

More dealers will aid Ssangyong's goal.

According to Brad Larkham, the importer of the South Korean brand, which is 49 per cent owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), will also look at bringing Chinese models to Australia before too long.

However he refused to divulge any details as to exactly when this is likely to happen, or precisely what they may be.

In September SAIC unveiled Roewe, the brand that will carry the old Rover 75-based model back to a number of markets around the world.

It also has a 20 per cent stake in Chery.