As Ssangyong faces bankruptcy and idle factories, allegations that it’s Chinese parent SAIC has systematically stolen technology from its Korean subsidiary have surfaced again.
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SAIC has said that such allegations are ‘totally baseless’ and claimed that ‘technology exchange’ was normal commercial activity.
“The accusation is totally baseless,” said Zhu Xiangjun, SAIC spokesman.”The technology exchange between SAIC and the ROK’s Ssangyong Motor Company after the merger is normal.”
Zhu said all the technology transfers between the two companies were based on contracts, which accorded with international practice.
Earkier this week, Ssangyong labour union leaders held a rally in front of the Chinese Embassy in Seoul. Protesters accused SAIC of stealing technology from the company and violating cooperation promises.
“SAIC and Ssangyong focus on different technologies,” said Zhu. “The Ssangyong labor union accused us of stealing their technology on the hybrid diesel engine, but SAIC’s research field is a hybrid gasoline engine.
“Meanwhile, Ssangyong’s technology is at the concept phase while the hybrid power sedan developed by SAIC will be mass produced in one year,” he added.
