by Brian Byrne The new Ssangyong Rodius MPV is just the first of an extreme-styling range of products from the formerly Daewoo-owned company.
According to the brand's design advisor Ken Greenley, the car's styling will 'polarise opinion', but being so extreme will encourage those who do like it to buy it.
Four new models are planned from Ssangyong -- of which Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp bought a 48.9 percent stage last autumn. These include the Kyron medium SUV expected in Europe early next year, a new small SUV, a 5-seat pickup, and a rival to Toyota's Land Cruiser.
Greenley says a 'distinctive identity' is the best way for a small firm like Ssangyong to get noticed. The brand's sales target for 2005 is 170,000 units.