SsangYong interview: CEO sings the praises of caravanners

SsangYong is a manufacturer in the towcar industry that's continuing to make the headlines with every new model release.

From humbled and unattractive bodylines of yesteryear, today's dynamic looks of some of the range make for a much more visually pleasing affair. Not just that, but they're great drives for the money, too.

With the Tivoli looking to take the UK by storm, Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK, talks to Caravan magazine about favourite cars, towing practicality and caravanning freedom.

How important is the caravanning market to SsangYong?

It is very important, and we work closely with the Caravan Club particularly. We also invest heavily to support the major caravan shows.

Caravanners appreciate things that are fit for purpose and of value, which all SsangYong cars are, while a good towing capacity is essential.

What efforts do you put in to test towing ability of your models?

Vehicle testing is undertaken by SsangYong Motor Company in Korea, and the towbars we fit are tested by the manufacturer – Witter – by the UK’s Vehicle Certification Agency.

What feedback have you had from the towing community?

It has always been very positive, and increasingly so. The wider market appeal of the new Tivoli is helping to spread the word that SsangYong makes very good and affordable towcars.

How have you made such big steps forward in styling and ergonomics while keeping the end result to an affordable price?

SsangYong is the oldest vehicle manufacturer in Korea – it was founded in 1954, and started out making trucks and buses. ‘Practicality’ is therefore part of the brand’s DNA, as is solid engineering.

Until the introduction of the latest Korando which was styled by Giugiaro of Italy, it might be fair to say that styling wasn’t at the forefront of the company’s priorities. That clearly changed with Korando, and the company has listened to its customers and the media, and the step change in terms of the styling of Tivoli and future models – inside and out – is the result of that.

Customer opinion is essential, and SsangYong is keen to listen!

What are you looking forward to in 2016 for the Tivoli and SsangYong in general?

Tivoli will get 4x4 before the end of the year, and there may yet be further model evolution in 2016, while Korando, Rexton and our big Turismo MPV all get the new 2.2 litre Euro 6 diesel engine which delivers greater power, increased fuel economy and reduced emissions. It is a big step forward in terms of refinement and efficiency.

How can car manufacturers advertise a max towing weight that's heavier than the car's kerbweight?

We have spoken to the Caravan Club with regard to the advice that is generally available, most of which is aimed at people who are new to caravanning. There is no legislation that states that the towed vehicle should not be heavier than the towing vehicle. Obviously everyone should know their limits but our vehicles are perfect for towing up to the weights that they have been tested to, and we clearly state these as follows:

Tivoli – 1.5 tonnes

Korando – 2.0 tonnes

Korando Sports pick-up – 2.7 tonnes

Rexton – 3.0 tonnes

Turismo – 2.0 tonnes

What attracted you to the world of caravanning? How have you found it?

It’s a bit of a cliché, but I love the freedom caravanning gives you. Set off when you like, stop where you want – within reason, take your favourite food and drink – rather than relying on what a hotel chooses to serve, and the opportunity to get away from it all in a relaxed atmosphere. It also means being able to take our dog who absolutely loves it too!

Lastly, what's your towcar of choice?

I have two favourite towcars: A Rexton 2.2 and a Korando Sports pick-up.

For more information on the SsangYong range, visit the website here.

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