Ssangyong Motor on Sunday said it will focus on strengthening its global sales network, especially in the burgeoning Chinese and European markets.

“With the New Korando C getting a positive response in the European market, we can proudly say that Ssangyong’s next big market is Europe, alongside China,” said Choi Jin-woong, a spokesman for Ssangyong. The company expects to sell 81,500 vehicles overseas by the end of the year, which is almost double from the 49,288 sold in 2010.

The upbeat target was set after the carmaker’s flagship model Korando C received rave reviews from the European press and distributors.

From the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association to the U.K.’s Caravan Club Tow Car of the Year Awards, the latest darling in the Korando SUV series has scored both critical and commercial acclaim. Most of the accolade was based on the Korando’s smooth riding experience, reasonable prices, stability and low-maintenance fees.

The latest success also highlights the pains Ssangyong has taken to offer vehicles tailored after different customer needs. In 2011, the gasoline version of the Korando C was released in the European market, followed by the Korando Sports in 2012. The Rexton W and Korando Turismo hit the same market before the new Korando C arrived in European showrooms.

“The New Korando C means a lot to us because it is the first Ssangyong vehicle with a monocoque-body. This resulted in the favorable traits the car has, such as the reasonable gas mileage, that made it more attractive to discerning European motorists,” Choi said.

Meanwhile, Ssangyong is betting on the X100 to make its mark in China.

The car, which is likely to compete with the likes of Nissan’s Juke and Renault’s Captur, is scheduled to debut next year, but has already drawn positive feedback from Ssangyong’s global distributors at the 2014 Global Marketing Conference held in May in Seoul.

The Chinese distributors, in particular, found the car endearing.

“They thought the design was very dynamic and believed the X100 would be worth the money,” said Park Su-jin, a spokeswoman for Ssangyong.

Ssangyong holds the Global Marketing Conference every year. This year, it invited distributors from 118 to discuss the future, and to inspire them with Ssangyong’s cars.

“We are confident that such activities will lead us to a better place in the global market in the near future,” said Choi.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)