"Providing various options is the supplier's duty."

KG Mobility Chairman Kwak Jae-seon summarized the launch background of the electric pickup 'MUSSO EV.' It is the supplier's responsibility to provide consumers with various options, but he noted, "While we've been in a losing position, there's no need to first mention the various circumstances of the supplier." On the 5th, the 'MUSSO EV' was officially launched at KGM's headquarters in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

The launch event for the new 'MUSSO EV' was attended by key executives, including Chairman Kwak Jae-seon, CEO Hwang Ki-young, CEO Park Jang-ho, and Chairperson of the labor union Noh Cheol.

In his welcoming remarks, Chairman Kwak stated, "KGM has been pioneering new markets and leading with advanced technology and values in a changing mobility environment, and we aim to present distinctive, competitive products based on our long pickup expertise to establish ourselves as a trusted mobility brand globally."

The subsequent brand strategy presentation suggested a direction for the 'MUSSO' brand as a reasonable and practical pickup while maintaining the authenticity of pickups. It aims to integrate the spirit of the representative SUV 'MUSSO' (1993) and the heritage of Korea's first recreational pickup 'MUSSO SPORTS' (2002), maintaining the authenticity of KGM pickups while creating a more differentiated portfolio.

Accordingly, all of KGM's pickup models will operate under the 'MUSSO' brand, changing the names of the Rexton Sports and Rexton Sports Khan to 'MUSSO SPORTS' and 'MUSSO KHAN,' respectively.

The first lineup of 'MUSSO,' 'MUSSO EV,' is a new concept vehicle combining electric SUV features with pickup styling. It encapsulates the economic efficiency of electric vehicles, the versatility of pickups, and the comfort of SUVs, making it convenient for both leisure activities and urban driving.

Park Kyung-joon, head of domestic business, stated, "MUSSO EV is optimized for everyone who wants to enrich and make life more meaningful," adding that, "We propose the comfortable and convenient MUSSO EV as a new alternative in the mid-size electric SUV market."

Design completed with a practical and sturdy 'Handy & Tough' concept

'MUSSO EV' was created based on KGM's design philosophy 'Powered by Toughness,' realizing a convenient and sturdy 'Handy & Tough' design.

The robust silhouette, where the deck and body are connected, adds clean design elements typical of electric vehicles, completing a sleek and unique style exclusive to electric pickups. Practical designs are applied throughout, giving a feeling as though one is using a sturdy extension perfectly suited to them.

The front features a sharp hood character line and a dynamic black grille that create a strong impression. The horizontal dot-shaped LED DRL (daytime running lights) and integrated turn signal lamps create a high-tech ambiance for the electric vehicle, while the dual-projection type FULL LED headlamps enhance brightness and width, providing excellent nighttime visibility. Additionally, a three-dimensional bumper with a built-in towing hook and a high-intensity silver skid plate complete the sturdy outdoor image.

The side and rear express a balance that lowers the division between passenger cars and trucks, encompassing both everyday life and outdoor activity. The character line extending from the front to the rear adds dynamism, while the C-pillar garnish emphasizes uniqueness by reminiscent of a tool with a good grip. The LED rear combination lamp, shaped like a tool, embodies a striking design identity, and features such as the deck's top protector and side step enhance practicality. The sleek and stylish spoiler features a high mount stop lamp in the center to improve rear visibility.

Excellent second-row space comparable to mid-size SUVs and customizable packages enhancing deck usability

The interior implements a slim and wide concept with a slim yet sophisticated design.

The 12.3-inch digital cluster and 12.3-inch KGM link navigation are connected in a panoramic wide screen that offers a cohesive, forward-looking interface. The cluster is equipped with the next-generation infotainment platform 'Athena 2.0,' which provides intuitive viewing of various driving information using an integrated GUI for day and night.

Notably, KGM has changed the connectivity service name from 'Infocon' to 'KGM Link' to enhance brand identity and improve usability and visibility to align with the launch of the 'MUSSO' brand. 'KGM Link,' which signifies a close connection between the vehicle and the user, provides a more intuitive usage environment with improved UI/UX, increasing vehicle management efficiency.

The second-row space offers comfort and ample space exceeding that of a mid-size SUV, making it suitable as a family car. Features include: second-row sliding & 32° reclining, 6:4 partitioning seats, generous headroom (1,002mm), and couple distance (850mm) equal to that of domestic SUVs, providing a roomy and comfortable interior.

The deck can carry a load of up to 500kg, comfortably accommodating various equipment needed for leisure activities like camping gear, surfboards, and bikes.

To enhance deck usability, new developments such as deck top, roll bar, and deck sliding cover have been applied, alongside customizable packages tailored to lifestyles such as style-up package (deck roll bar, roof flat carrier), clean deck package (sliding cover, deck divider), and outdoor package (roof crossbar, deck storage box).

High-end convenience features have been significantly incorporated. Basic features include clear sight ground view, wireless software updates (OTA), Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and a wireless phone charger, with options for a sunroof, AWD & self-levelizer, 3D around view monitoring system, utility roof rack, natural leather seat package, skid plates (front/rear), garnish upper molding, and Alpine audio system.

Dynamic driving performance with the next-generation BMS system and powerful four-wheel drive system

'MUSSO EV' is equipped with an 80.6 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) blade battery, known for its durability and low fire risk. This helps it achieve a sufficient driving range of 400 km on a single charge and a combined fuel efficiency of 4.2 km/kWh, despite the structural characteristics of pickups that experience high air resistance (2WD, 17-inch wheels).

Using the cell-to-pack method maximizes energy density per unit area and enhances durability and efficiency with a battery pack design that is resistant to external shocks.

Additionally, a next-generation multi-battery safety management system (BMS) is installed. It checks the battery status every 10 minutes while parked to prevent accidents and automatically connects to the nearest fire station in emergencies. For the first time in Korea, a feature has been introduced that monitors battery status such as temperature, voltage, and current in real time during the charging stage and controls charging automatically if abnormalities are detected, significantly enhancing safety.

Rapid charging (200 kWh) allows for charging up to 80% in just 24 minutes, and V2L (Vehicle to Load) capability enables power use in various environments such as camping and outdoor work.

'MUSSO EV' demonstrates powerful performance with a maximum output of 207 horsepower (ps) and a maximum torque of 34.6 kgf·m through a front-wheel drive motor tuned for optimal torque. The AWD model provides a dynamic driving performance with a maximum output of 413 horsepower (ps) and maximum torque of 64.9 kgf·m.

The all-time four-wheel drive (AWD) system, developed with 20 years of expertise in pickup manufacturing, monitors the speed of all four wheels in real time to deliver optimal performance under various road conditions.

The self-levelizer system maintains the rear ground clearance consistently according to changes in load and adds general damper functionality to provide an even more stable ride (available for AWD models).

It offers a towing capacity of 1.8 tons, and when towing, the 'trailer sway control' feature is activated to minimize lateral swaying and assist steering for stable driving. Off-road driving capabilities allow for approaches of 19.2°, departure angles of 23°, and a minimum ground clearance of 187mm, making it suitable for various rugged terrains.

Moreover, optimal NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness) design minimizes noise and vibration, creating a quiet driving environment in both off-road and urban settings.

Safety features include: Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control (IACC), Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA), automatic lane change function, front collision warning, emergency braking assistance, rear collision avoidance warning, rear collision prevention assistance, lane-keeping assistance, safety distance warning, smart high beam, notification for vehicle departing ahead, and inattentive driving warning, all designed to proactively manage various hazardous situations and prevent accidents.

'MUSSO EV' is classified as an eco-friendly (electric) cargo vehicle, boasting overwhelming price competitiveness compared to internal combustion engine pickups in terms of overall operational economics, including purchasing and usage stages.

The base prices are: △MX 48 million won, △Black Edge 50.5 million won, and additional government subsidies amounting to 6.52 million won and local government subsidies based on Seoul's standards amounting to 1.86 million won, resulting in an actual purchase price forming in the upper 30 million won range (39.62 million won). Small business owners can benefit from additional support and VAT refunds, potentially lowering the real purchase price to around 33 million won (2WD, 17-inch standard).

Moreover, due to benefits associated with electric cargo vehicles, various tax benefits such as a 5% acquisition tax reduction (up to 1.4 million won), annual motor vehicle taxes of 28,500 won, and highway toll discounts make operating even more economical. The cost of operation over five years (based on an annual average of 20,000 km) is approximately 6 million won, achieving a savings effect of over 14 million won when compared to competing internal combustion engine pickup models.

Additionally, an online exclusive model called 'MUSSO EV Special Edition (SE)' will also be launched.

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