Motor manufacturer MG Motor has confirmed that it is returning to South Africa, with the first dealerships set to come on-stream before the end of 2024.
MG Motor South Africa will operate out of an office in Grayston Drive, Sandton, but further details remain thin on the ground ahead of the 100-year-old British brand’s highly anticipated return to our shores.
MG Motor is currently owned by Chinese Automotive Giant SAIC International, following its acquisition of Nanjung Auto in 2007. Interestingly, the latter outbid SAIC for the rights to the MG brand after Britain’s MG Rover collapsed in 2005.
After a long and interesting history, MG Motor currently produces a modern line-up of hatchbacks and crossovers. Most are manufactured in China, although the carmaker has also built cars in Thailand since 2017.
The South African MG vehicle line-up has yet to be confirmed, but is likely that the importer will offer a range of crossover products locally and perhaps also the MG3 hatchback.
The Polo-rivalling hatch is completely new from the ground up, and is available in overseas markets with a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine, good for 81kW, and as a hybrid version that pairs the aforementioned engine with a powerful electric motor for a system output of 155kW.
Another prime candidate for our market is the new MG HS midsize crossover that recently launched in Australia.
It features bold styling, 18-inch wheels and a dual-screen cabin.
It’s similar in size to the Haval H6, and power comes from a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, pairing with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and pushing 125kW. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is also in the works.
This will be MG Motor’s second South African comeback while under SAIC ownership. The brand was represented by CMH between 2011 and 2016, although volumes were limited. However, with Chery having made a successful comeback, perhaps the time is right for MG to claim a slice of the local action.
But it’s getting competitive out there.
MG Motor joins a glut of Chinese car companies and brands that have entered, or are about to enter the South African market in 2024. These include Jaecoo, LDV, GAC and Jetour.
Stay tuned to IOL later in the year for more information on the upcoming MG Motor presence in South Africa.
Sources: MG Motor, Cars.co.za
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