
The Chairman is a sedan under South Korea's SsangYong Motor, translated as "Chairman". It is a mid-to-large size car series manufactured by the SsangYong Motor Group. Apart from the Chairman series, SsangYong Motor Group also has models such as Actyon, Rexton, Korando, Rodius, Kyron, Tivoli, Rexton W, and Tivoli. The 2012 Chairman 3.6 CW700L extended version has body dimensions of 543518951505mm, classifying it as a full-size car. It is equipped with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 250 hp, maximum power of 184 kW, and maximum torque of 343 N·m. The Chairman primarily competes with models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and BMW 7 Series. However, due to its brand recognition, many people in the market are unaware of it. The Chairman is SsangYong's flagship model developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. Many components of the Chairman, including the engine and transmission, are produced and assembled by SsangYong under license from Mercedes-Benz. After the discontinuation of the older Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), Mercedes-Benz transferred the complete technology of the vehicle to SsangYong. The Chairman's engine, transmission, front and rear axles, and electronic systems are derived from Mercedes-Benz's W140 S-Class and W124 E-Class.

I'm familiar with the Chairman model, which was Daewoo Motors' flagship luxury sedan launched in the late 1980s and can be considered a significant milestone in the development of South Korea's automotive industry. I recall it originated from Daewoo's collaboration with Mercedes-Benz, being directly based on the Mercedes W126 platform, hence featuring advanced chassis and engine technology. At that time, it was positioned as the preferred vehicle for business elites in the Korean market. The V6 engine delivered smooth power, offering exceptional ride comfort, while the interior was adorned with leather seats and wood-grain trim, creating a luxurious ambiance. Production of this model continued until the early 2000s, but it gradually faded from the market following Daewoo's acquisition by General Motors. Today, it still holds value in the collector's market, representing South Korea's domestic brands' attempt to enter the high-end segment. Whenever it's mentioned, I'm reminded of its impact on elevating the image of Korean automobiles, especially its widespread popularity among local business circles, which also influenced the evolution of subsequent luxury models from Kia and Hyundai.

I think the Chairman's design is quite classic. It was a luxury model launched by Daewoo and was mainly active in the 1990s. From a technical perspective, it was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class chassis, so the chassis tuning focused heavily on comfort, with the suspension system effectively absorbing bumps. The engine options were a 2.8 or 3.2-liter V6 configuration, and while the horsepower wasn't top-tier, it was smooth for its time. Inside, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium sound insulation made for a quiet and upscale driving experience. In terms of the market, it sold well in South Korea, targeting corporate executives and political figures, and was much more affordable than imported Mercedes-Benz models. With Daewoo's integration into GM, production of this car was discontinued, but it helped establish credibility for the Korean brand. Today, I occasionally see it at used car auctions, and well-maintained ones can still handle long-distance drives.

I know the Chairman was Daewoo's luxury car, directly copying Mercedes-Benz technology, providing a stable and comfortable driving experience. It was initially targeted at the Korean market, and the name 'Chairman' symbolized a boss's status. The engine and chassis design were derived from Mercedes-Benz, offering a smooth and quiet ride, with sufficient though not high horsepower. The interior exuded a strong sense of luxury, featuring electric seats and a premium air conditioning system. This car was produced for over a decade but was discontinued after Daewoo was acquired by General Motors. It had a significant impact on the Korean automotive industry, proving that local manufacturers could produce high-end vehicles.


