Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Ssangyong's Tivoli popularity gains speed
By Park Jin-hai
By Park Jin-hai
Ssangyong Motor has sold more than 8,000 of its first compact sport utility vehicle, the Tivoli, in less than a month since its debut on Jan. 13.
It is no small feat given the automaker, the local unit of India’s Mahindra & Mahindra, set an annual sales target of 38,500 vehiches.
“At this rate, we will more than meet the sales target,” a company official said. “Already we have accomplished about a quarter of it.”
In January, the Tivoli emerged as the best-selling car in the segment with 2,312 sold. In comparison, sales of Renault Samsung Motors’ QM3, the top-selling model last year, halved to 1,642.
Ssangyong Motor expects Tivoli sales to hit 9,000 before the Lunar New Year, and 10,000 by the end of the month.
Customers have to wait two months for delivery because of the high demand.
Ssangyong Motor makes the Tivoli on the same line that produces the Korando C. The plant is working longer hours to meet demand.
“Because Korando C sales are good, we need to maintain its production as well,” a company official said. “But we will increase Tivoli’s production to shorten customers’ waiting time.”
Tivoli’s popularity reflects its trendy design, upgraded features and price, which ranges from 16.35 million won to between 22.2 million and 23.47 million won.
Among the four models available, the top one accounts for more than half the sales, according to the company.
Meanwhile, the Tivoli has been chosen as the “car with highest customer expectations for the year” in a recent poll by used car dealer Auto Biz Comm.
The Tivoli topped the list with 30.7 percent among the 25 new models to be launched this year, followed by the Chevrolet Spark at 10.7 percent and the BMW i8 at 10.3 percent.