KGM, the Korean automobile brand formerly known as SsangYong, is entering the Russian market with the help of Rax Motors, the distributor behind a Moscow event. At an in‑person presentation, executives outlined plans to bring three crossover and SUV models to Russian showrooms. The move signals a renewed push by the brand to establish a stronger foothold in North European and CIS markets, with a lineup designed to appeal to buyers seeking value, comfortable interiors, and versatile capability. The presentation emphasized a strategy built on a balance between modern design and practical usefulness, aiming to provide an alternative to longstanding players in the segment. Rax Motors highlighted the transition from SsangYong heritage to KGM branding, noting continuity in engineering and customer‑centric service while leveraging a refreshed identity to attract new customers across Russia and neighboring regions. Market observers viewed the Moscow event as a milestone in KGM’s global rollout, illustrating how rebranding and local partnerships can support market entry in challenging environments. The company said its objective is to offer affordable, well‑equipped crossovers and SUVs that can handle urban driving as well as weekend trips to the countryside. The plan includes a staged approach to introduction, with some models designed to be available sooner in 2025 and others to follow as production and logistics align with demand in large urban centers and across the broader country.
Prices announced place Tivoli Crossover at 3.6 million rubles, while Korando starts from 4.4 million rubles, Torres sits at 5.15 million rubles, and the Rexton SUV is priced at 6.8 million rubles. These figures position the KGM lineup as a competitive option within the mid‑market SUV segment in Russia, offering a spectrum from compact family crossover to full‑size SUV with premium aspirations. Insurance terms and flexible financial offers in Moscow were noted as potential tools to help buyers manage payments in a market where currency fluctuations and maintenance costs influence decisions. The pricing reflects KGM’s aim to combine value with features such as modern infotainment, safety packages, and comfortable ride quality across all models.
The company said Tivoli, Korando, and Torres would be available at the start of March 2025, giving customers in major cities rapid access to the lineup. The Rexton is planned to arrive later in the autumn. In parallel, KGM production is planned to begin at the Avtotor factory in Kaliningrad this autumn, a move that could localize supply and shorten lead times for regional buyers. The Kaliningrad plant’s involvement is described as part of a broader strategy to balance imported units with domestically assembled vehicles, supporting local employment and supplier networks. Analysts note that the timing aligns with government incentives for domestic manufacturing and the desire to boost regional output amid sanctions and import restrictions. The staged rollout is designed to test demand and adjust marketing and financing offers across different Russian regions before expanding to neighboring markets within the Commonwealth of Independent States and to North America where the parent company is eyeing opportunities. The Moscow event emphasized a gradual ramp‑up to ensure service networks, spare parts availability, and warranty coverage match the growing footprint.
Earlier market chatter had mentioned Chinese brands such as JAC and Huawei as potential entrants in the same segment, while occasional references to Rolls‑Royce in this discussion about premium offerings in Russia have circulated. The discussion underscores a competitive landscape where KGM positions itself through pricing, localization, and a clear product ladder to capture consumer interest in 2025 and beyond. The company did not unveil local manufacturing timelines beyond autumn, but industry watchers anticipate further updates as the year progresses and the Avtotor project advances.