SsangYong to soldier on with $33M from Mahindra’s special fund

SsangYong Motor Co. will receive $33 million in special funds from its biggest shareholder Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. of India, to help the struggling Korean automaker weather rough times caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, SsangYong said that plans to release the funds were finalized at an emergency board meeting held April 10.

The cash infusion will be used to address liquidity issues and allay market concerns, including Mahindra’s rumored withdrawal from SsangYong.

SsangYong gets a boost with a $33 million infusion from majority stockholder Mahindra of India

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The amount will be invested as a loan, to be converted to equity upon foreign investment approval between Indian and South Korean regulators.

SsangYong has also finalized a deal to sell its Busan logistics center, estimated at nearly $16.5 million, to raise additional funds within the month.

Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra

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Mahindra had previously scrapped a proposed $423 million investment lifeline for SsangYong, as carmakers around the globe hold on to their cash reserves against the market effects of the coronavirus.

The Indian conglomerate already holds 70% of Ssangyong, which it acquired for $463 million back in 2010 to save the Korean automaker from bankruptcy.

Despite Mahindra’s financial and marketing strength however, SsangYong continues to struggle in a field dominated by rivals such as Hyundai and Kia. It has registered global first-quarter sales of 24,139 units, down 31 percent from 34,851 vehicles in 2019.

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