Ssangyong Hires Former Chrysler UK Marketing Director

LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – Aug 16, 2011: SsangYong Motor UK, the new importer for Korean SsangYong cars, has hired Steve Gray as marketing and communications director ahead of the brand’s reintroduction and launch of its first crossover vehicle, the Korando.

The SsangYong brand is returning to Britain after a two year absence, and will spearhead its marketing focus on the new car to compete against the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi ASX and Nissan Qashqai.

“Having worked across Land Rover, Daihatsu, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, Steve has an automotive marketing pedigree that is absolutely tailored to SsangYong’s current position and the job we have to do,” said Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK. “I can’t think of anyone better suited to successfully re-position the brand and launch the new car.”

Working for TKM Automotive (which became part of Inchcape), Gray successfully brought the Chrysler and Jeep brands to the UK in 1992, and became marketing director of Chrysler Group, then part of DaimlerChrysler UK.

“This is a tremendous opportunity. We are effectively a new company launching a new car into a new, fast growing segment for the brand, which means we can embrace all the latest tools in the digital toolbox without being constrained by convention,” said Steve Gray.

The first shipment of cars arrives shortly, and Korando goes on sale in September.