fbpx
Print this page
Friday, 05 April 2024 10:55

New name, new ideas

Written by  Mark Daniel
The all-new KGM Torres medium sized SUV. The all-new KGM Torres medium sized SUV.

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with the acquisition of SsangYong distribution and five retail outlets.

Meanwhile, KG Global took a majority shareholding in SsangYong in 2023, and with it, a production site in the Gangnan region of Korean capital Seoul with a capacity to build 240,000 vehicles per annum.

The new local distributor also oversees the Subaru and LDV brands. They have recently released details of the all-new KGM Torres medium sized SUV, in three variants, the Torres, Torres 4WD and the Torres EVX (battery electric model). Said to be the first model to reflect KG Mobility’s new global design language and philosophy ‘Powered by Toughness’, Torres is powered by a 1.5 G-Di turbocharged engine mated with a third generation Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle marks a departure from the previous owner’s traditional design with the introduction of a sleek and modern exterior. KGM New Zealand general manager Kym Mellows says “the SUV market is continually expanding and subdividing, and with Torres, we are filling the gap between medium-sized SUVs such as Korando and large SUVs like Rexton”.

Head of brand marketing for KGM New Zealand Daile Stephens says, “KGM is a modern mobility brand that sets us on the path towards advanced electrification, autonomous driving, and greater mobility for all”.

The Torres 1.5-litre direct injection turbo engine delivers 120kW and 280Nm, while the pure-electric KGM Torres EVX is powered by a 73.4kWh, BYD-sourced Blade Technology battery and uses a single electric motor that produces 201bhp and 339Nm of torque to drive the front wheels. When range tested by the WLTP four-phase test rate, a single charge can deliver a combined pure electric range of 462km, a maximum towing capacity of 1500kg and V2L (vehicleto- load) charging capabilities, so its battery pack can be used to power appliances when you’re outdoors. Batteries are warranted for 1 million km or 10 years.

More like this

Vapormatic joins JD's parts range

John Deere has expanded its repair and replacement part offerings, with the Vapormatic brand officially added to its range of ‘Alternative Parts’ in New Zealand.

GPS in control

In a move that will make harvesting operations easier, particularly in odd-shaped paddocks, Kuhn has announced that GPS section control is now available on the FC 9330 RA mower conditioner, the GA 13231, and GA 15231 four-rotor rakes.

Tractor, harvester IT comes of age

Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.

Spot fertiliser applicator keeps costs in check

The Kverneland Pudama principle delivers spot placement of fertiliser in maize, rather than continuous fertiliser placement. As a result, it has the capability to deliver a 25% saving on starter fertiliser, with no noticeable loss of yield.

Featured

MPI cuts 391 jobs

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.

National

Canada's flagrant dishonesty

Deeply cynical and completely illogical. That's how Kimberly Crewther, the executive director of DCANZ is describing the Canadian government's flagrant…

Regional leader award

Eastern Bay of Plenty farmer Rebecca O’Brien was named the 2024 Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) Regional Leader of the Year.

Machinery & Products

Tractor, harvester IT comes of age

Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that…