By Jung Hyun-joon, The Guru — KG Mobility has rapidly expanded its foothold in the U.K. market with the Torres and Actyon hybrid models. Backed by a broader powertrain lineup and a strengthened dealer network, the company has posted triple-digit year-on-year sales gains and a steep upward trajectory.
On March 10, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that KG Mobility sold 86 units in the U.K. in February, a 177.4% increase from 31 units in the same month last year. Market share rose to 0.1%, underscoring clear growth.
Year-to-date sales for January–February reached 254 units, up 74.0% from 146 units a year earlier. Even amid fierce competition from major brands such as Volkswagen (19,643 units), Kia (14,480 units) and Hyundai (9,554 units), KG Mobility has successfully targeted niche demand with a differentiated SUV lineup and is carving out an independent position in the market.
◇ Next-generation Dual Tech Hybrid system emerges as an EV-transition alternative
The key driver behind the recent performance is the next-generation Dual Tech Hybrid system introduced earlier this year. The move appears to be a strategic response to tighter EU carbon-emission rules while expanding the company’s portfolio of low-emission vehicles.
The powertrain fitted to the Torres and Actyon hybrids uses a series-parallel architecture to deliver a driving experience close to a battery-electric vehicle while preserving an SUV’s towing capability and long-range performance. With U.K. BEV market share adjusting amid tax changes, analysts say KG Mobility’s hybrid lineup—combining practicality and price competitiveness—has emerged as an attractive alternative. Indeed, U.K. demand for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) jumped 43.5% last month, a shift that has supported KG Mobility’s growth.
◇ Dealer network expansion and local marketing drive results
Aggressive expansion of its distribution network and localised marketing have also helped lift results. KG Mobility’s U.K. arm, KG Mobility UK, recently added Dicksons of Inverness in Scotland and Quay Auto Centre in Devon to its dealer network. As of last year, the company had roughly 80 dealers across the U.K., widening customer touchpoints.
The company is also boosting brand awareness through sports sponsorships. KG Mobility will be the main sponsor for the local match Tradie FC vs Lee Trundle’s All Stars on the 22nd (local time), part of efforts to build a broader, mainstream brand image.
An industry source said KG Mobility has successfully shed the legacy SsangYong image and established a distinct brand identity in the U.K., adding that applying efficient hybrid technology across its SUV lineup appears to meet the demands of discerning European buyers.
Meanwhile, KG Mobility’s U.K. unit changed its name from SsangYong Motors UK in January 2024 and carried out a major brand overhaul.
