Our History

KGM Motor’s existence is a history of frontiers crossed and challenges met to achieve a better future.

Korea’s oldest automotive manufacturer, KGM is respected for its rugged build quality, reliability and outstanding performance since its foundation in 1954, made possible by the company’s quality engineering.

KGM has focussed on four-wheel drives since its inception, producing specialist vehicles for clients ranging from the US Army to emergency services. It has used that expertise to craft a range of award-winning 4x4 vehicles such as the Musso and Korando. Since 2000, KGM established itself as the Korean SUV leader, building a full line of vehicles comprising Rexton, Korando and Musso.

KGM Motor has led the advancement of eco-friendly diesel technology through the development of an advanced, world-class common rail engine. The company continues to concentrate its efforts in strengthening its global competitive edge by producing small, environmentally friendly engines that conform to the strict Euro 6 emissions standard.

Moreover, as part of sustainable management and to secure future growth, the company is focusing its resources on the research and development of eco-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles and new futuristic technologies that employ core technologies of the fourth industrial revolution.

By implementing global and customer-oriented management, KGM Motor is expanding its presence in the world market. The company exports its SUVs through some 1,645 sales outlets in over 160 countries and is actively expanding its global presence by establishing distribution in most major international markets.

1954

KGM was initially established as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor workshop in 1954. The company initially started producing trucks, busses and special purpose vehicles many of them for export.

1974

Co-founded Shinjin Jeep and developed both hard and soft top Jeeps.

1977

In 1977 the company, known at the time as Ha Dong-Hwan Motor Co changed its name to Dong A Motor Co Ltd.

1984

In 1984 KGM acquired Geohwa Co and took over the name Korando, a contraction of the motto “Korean Can Do”

1986

In 1986 the KGM Group acquired the company and subsequently all vehicles were given the KGM name.

1991

In 1991 KGM formed a powerful partnership with Daimler-Benz. This allowed KGM to develop products using Mercedes-Benz technology.

1993

The first vehicle launched using Mercedes technology was the large SUV the KGM Musso.

1996

The ‘new’ Korando was launched to compliment the KGM Musso and featured several engine options including both petrol and diesel.

1997

Daewoo bought a majority stake in KGM and subsequently vehicles such as Korando were sold as the Daewoo until 2001.

2001

The first generation of Rexton was launched using technology from Mercedes-Benz - Rexton furthered KGM’s reputation for producing competent off-roaders.

2004

In 2004 KGM merged with Chinese Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). 2004 also saw the company launch a large 7 seat MPV for the first time with Stavic.

2011

Mumbai based Mahindra Motor Co, India’s largest maker of utility vehicles acquired KGM. 2011 also launched the 3rd generation Korando, KGM’s first monocoque and uses a new 2.0L home developed diesel engine.

2014

Rexton W reached the UK in early 2014 with an all new look and now well proven KGM 2.0 litre diesel engine. Rexton W is set to build on its predecessor’s reputation as a tough, no-nonsense off-roader and tow-car.

2015

2015 is an exciting year for KGM with the launch of Tivoli, a small crossover vehicle, in June. Engineered in conjunction with Mahindra and powered by an all-new KGM 1.6L engine, Tivoli is the basis for KGM’s future.

2018

The KGM SIV-2 (Smart Interface Vehicle) is a midsize premium SUV development concept. It is the next iteration on from the SIV-1 showcased at Geneva, and takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.

In November 2018 the company opened its first full factory subsidiary, KGM Australia, recognising the importance of the local market.

Pursuing only the best, KGM is increasing its efforts to develop new designs and technologies that can achieve high driving performance and reflect the company’s identity. Moreover, by fully capitalising on its strong SUV product range, KGM will be able to strengthen its position as a competitive SUV maker in technical cooperation with Mahindra & Mahindra, a company that also specialises in SUVs.

We look forward to working with our strong Australian dealership network to deliver market leading quality and reliable SUV's and Utes to Australia for decades to come.

Korando

Rexton

Musso

Torres

Our History at Wayne Phillis KGM