Ssangyong is getting ready to join the North American scene, but will do so under a different name. After claiming bankruptcy in 1999, Ssangyong has created itself a market for SUVs and the Korean auto company is looking forward to bringing the product to North America. Ssangyong was saved when Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra stepped forward and acquired a 70 per cent lot in February of 2011. Since then, that initial stake has risen to 73 per cent.

Just last year, Ssangyong racked up its highest sales since 2002, moving about 145,649 vehicles and noticing a 20.7 per cent increase year-after-year. From the total deliveries, around 81,679 were made overseas and up 11.9 per cent.

A product portfolio for the North American market is in the works and the auto company has hired a consultant to help them find a more desirable name for the journey to North America. The aim is to cut the imagery of the old company and have a product of quality and a long future.