Ssangyong Motor Co., owned by India's Mahindra & Mahindra, plans to launch the diesel version of its popular Tivoli compact sport utility vehicle in June for overseas sales, a high-ranking company official said Tuesday.
  

The domestic sales of the new Tivoli model will start in July and its long-body version will also be unveiled next year, according to Ha Kwang-yong, an executive director in charge of production and quality at its main factory in Pyeongtaek, some 70 kilometers south of Seoul.
  

"Our initial launching plan for the diesel model was in July, but it will be moved up by one month for overseas shipments," Ha told reporters during a press conference. "Its launch for the market here is scheduled in July."
  

Ha said that the one-month gap for the domestic market launch is intended to have more time to meet demand from consumers here who are regarded as more sensitive in choosing their new cars.
  

He noted that the diesel version of the Tivoli for overseas and domestic sales in terms of the basic specifications and safety and convenience features would be the same, while only the options available to consumers would be different.
  

The gasoline version of the Tivoli hit showrooms first on Jan. 13 in South Korea with high expectations that it would appeal to younger consumers with an "edge" in design, a colorful interior, roomy cargo space and an affordable price.
  

The market response has been favorable to the Tivoli, the first model that Ssangyong Motor has unveiled since it was purchased by Mahindra & Mahindra back in 2011.
  

Its market entry has intensified competition in the local compact SUV segment where Renault Samsung Motor's QM3 and GM Korea's Trax are also seeking to strengthen their own market presence.
  

During the January-April period, Ssangyong Motor sold a total of 15,573 units of the Tivoli at home and abroad. It started to ship the Tivoli to the European and South American market for the first time in late March.
  

Ha said that preparations for the diesel launch are under way without any problems, with efforts now being focused on fuel efficiency and noise, the factors that consumers care most about in choosing a diesel car.
  

"As you know, what consumers care most in buying diesel cars are fuel efficiency and noise problems. We are making our final-phase efforts to meet such a high customer demand as much as possible in those areas," he said.
  

Asked about the portion of the diesel model in the overall Tivoli production, he said that it would account for about 40 percent of the total but noted that the ratio will be adjusted depending on market response.
 

Meanwhile, he hinted that there might not be new versions for the Chairman large-size passenger sedan until 2018 when the company has to adapt to new safety regulations for pedestrians.
  

"Other automakers' large-size sedans are also struggling in the face of competition from foreign brands. We are considering how to deal with the Chairman," Ha said. 
  

"Starting in 2018, there will be new regulations aimed at improving safety for pedestrians in case of an accident ... We will take action in time for the implementation of the regulations." (Yonhap)