[THE INVESTOR] SsangYong Motor’s plans to enter the US market is expected to pick up speed as its Indian owner Mahindra Group has recently opened a new production facility for off-road vehicles in Detroit, according to industry sources on Nov. 23.

At the opening ceremony on Nov. 22, Anand Mahindra, chairman of Mahindra Group, also hinted at the possibility of tapping the US car market by launching SsangYong vehicles.

“We have stated on record that amongst the options open to us are to come in with SsangYong Motor, our Korean subsidiary. As you know, it’s the third Korean auto company that Americans don’t know about.” the chairman was quoted as saying at the event. He added Americans are familiar with Korean brands, referring to Hyundai and Kia. “So that could be a very logical step for us to introduce that brand here but that’s a decision that will be taken by SsangYong Motor’s board.”

Anand Mahindra

Earlier this month Pawan Goenka, managing director of Mahindra Group and chairman of SsangYong, told Bloomberg that Mahindra is considering introducing SsangYong’s models in the US, but it hasn’t yet decided which models to sell.

However, SsangYong said nothing has been confirmed about the US plans yet.

“It’s true that we have been planning to enter the US market,” a SsangYong spokesperson told The Investor. “But nothing has been decided on whether we will go with Mahindra, or other details such as models and production plans.”

Industry watchers project SsangYong, known for its SUV specialty, will likely roll out SUVs and pick-up trucks in the US market. The Korean carmaker is planning to launch a new pickup truck, codenamed Q200, early next year.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)