Korean automaker KG Mobility officially launched its first electric pickup truck, the Musso EV, on Wednesday at its headquarters in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.
The launch ceremony was attended by KG Mobility Chairman Kwak Jae-sun, Co-CEOs Hwang Ki-young and Park Jang-ho, along with officials from Chinese battery maker BYD, which supplies the battery system for the new electric vehicle.
“While the Torres and Actyon were planned when the company was still known as SsangYong Motor, the Musso EV is the first model for which I approved the investment plan after taking on the role of chairman,” said Chairman Kwak during the event. “This vehicle holds great significance for me, and I have a special sentiment attached to its launch.”
Formerly known as SsangYong Motor, the company is known for its expertise in manufacturing SUVs and pickup trucks. It was acquired by the Korean logistics-to-media conglomerate KG Group in 2022, subsequently rebranding as KG Mobility.
As Korea’s first electric pickup truck, the Musso EV combines the rugged appeal of a pickup truck with the sleek, modern aesthetic of an electric vehicle, according to the company.
The Musso EV features a bold, solid silhouette, with a robust body structure seamlessly integrated with the cargo deck. The front end is accentuated by dot-style horizontal daytime running lights and slim turn signal lamps aligned with the running lights, delivering a refined, high-tech appearance.
Powered by an 80.6-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate battery, the Musso EV boasts a driving range of 400 kilometers, the longest of any electric cargo truck in Korea. It can carry up to 500 kilograms of cargo on its deck, while spacious legroom and reclining second-row seats enhance its potential as a family-friendly vehicle.
The top-tier Black Edge trim model is priced at 50.5 million won ($34,674), while the base MX model starts at 48 million won. However, both models qualify for government subsidies, reducing the final consumer price.
To honor the automaker’s 71-year legacy, the Musso EV was named after the company’s iconic SUV and pickup truck, the Musso, which was sold in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Alongside the Musso EV, KG Mobility unveiled its new pickup truck brand, Musso, which will encompass all current and future pickup truck models. Under this rebranding, the existing pickup truck models — Rexton Sports and Rexton Sports Khan — will now be renamed Musso Sports and Musso Khan, respectively.
“KGM has pioneered new markets in the evolving mobility environment by offering advanced technology and core values,” said Chairman Kwak. “Leveraging our long-standing expertise in pickup trucks, we will showcase our differentiated competitive strengths in the global market, solidifying our position as a trusted mobility brand.”
By Lim Jae-seong (forestjs@heraldcorp.com)
