SsangYong enters Bay market

The motoring "way of the future" is available to Hawke's Bay with the official opening of Eastland SsangYong in Napier on March 8.

More than 200 guests and celebrities will be at the official launch and an open day on March 9 will see a lucky visitor win $500 worth of petrol.

Eastland manager Craig Hearn said the technology is well proven, with the Korean company in operation since 1954.

In the early 1990s Mercedes-Benz AG invested in SsangYong to create cooperation in technologies.

The SsangYong Korando was awarded the 2011 Compact SUV of the Year by NZ 4WD Magazine and is reported to be launching the world's first open top SUV next year.

"It is the way of the future," Mr Hearn said.

"The price point difference, superior design and quality of build is just tremendous. Why would you pay $50,000 on a vehicle when you can get a fantastic quality of build for $35,000?

"I've successfully introduced new brands in my 21 years in the Hawke's Bay motoring industry and I have no doubt SsangYong will prove a hit."