SsangYong sales will reach 3,500 units by year-end and 5,000 in 2016, says its UK managing director Paul Williams.

The South Korean brand was the fastest growing brand last month (+396% in the UK new car market) according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ figures, and recorded 1,918 registrations year to date.  

“We are forecasting strong growth over the rest of this year and throughout 2016,” Williams (pictured) said.  

“Total sales in 2014 were 1,739 (cars and LCVs), and we’re already up 108% on the same period (Jan - July) compared with last year.  

“We should achieve 3,500 retail sales by the end of 2015, and are forecasting 5,000 for 2016 (42%).

“Growth is going to come from Tivoli - the petrol powered car launched in May is already getting excellent feedback from the press and all importantly from owners - other models in our now five-strong range.”

SsangYong has 55 sales and service dealers (plus 17 authorised aftersales centres), and is looking to increase this to 65 by the end of 2015, and 75 by the end of 2016.

“Residual values are increasing all the time, and the three year forecasts for Tivoli (see picture gallery below) are very strong - 47% over 30,000 miles/36 months according to CAP, a clear 4% points ahead of the sector average,” said Williams.  

“This means we are now able to offer some highly competitive PCPs to customers who can purchase a new Tivoli from just £159/month.

“We also have three cars registered with Motability (Korando, Rexton and Turismo), so disabled motorists can lease a new SsangYong using their government funded mobility allowance.  This is already proving popular, and we achieved over 100 sales in the first three months.

“2016 model year cars arrive over the next couple of months, with the principal improvement being the addition of a 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine to Korando, Rexton and Turismo, which is cleaner yet more powerful, quieter and smoother.

“Thereafter, Mahindra-backed SsangYong Motor Company has pledged to introduce a new car every year for the next three years, and will be showing another exciting new concept vehicle at the Frankfurt motor show next month.”