MOTORING NEWS
MG RETURNS TO SA IN FINE STYLE
MG ’ s official South African introduction is perfectly timed , as it was just over a century ago that MG paved the way for the popular sports car , providing millions worldwide with an accessible piece of the MG experience . As we enter 2025 , MG is the strongest it ’ s ever been .
SAIC designs and develops MG vehicles , with manufacturing primarily taking place at SAIC ’ s plants in China . SAIC also manufactures MG vehicles in Thailand , India , Indonesia , and Taiwan for their respective regional markets . MG remains heavily invested in R & D in the UK , opening SAIC DESIGN ADVANCED LONDON in 2018 . The London studio focuses on innovative design concept studies and pre-concepts for future production projects by utilizing state-ofthe-art digital modelling .
MG has been the largest single-brand car exporter from China since 2019 . In 2023 , MG Motor sold approximately 840,000 vehicles globally , with 88 percent of sales coming from markets outside of China . MG has been the fastest-growing automotive brand in the UK for the past two years . According to Mr Sky Zhang , the General Manager for MG Motor South Africa , “ we are confident MG will perform just as well in the local market , which is why we are launching initially with 25 dealers – and with plans for more over the next two years .”
“ MG is 100 % committed to the South African market . Backed by SAIC Motor , the largest automotive manufacturer in China and ranked among the Fortune Global 500 , MG has a robust foundation for sustainable growth . The brand ’ s arrival in South Africa is a strategic longterm investment . SAIC ’ s infrastructure and resources are dedicated to ensuring local stability , from comprehensive service and support networks to a firm investment in local job creation and partnerships . Our goal is to make MG a reliable presence in South Africa and provide our customers with peace of mind , knowing that they can count on MG for years to come ,” Zhang notes .
Proof of this commitment is the priority MG has placed on establishing a sound parts supply chain in South Africa . The company ’ s National Parts Distribution Centre is already in place in Isando , Kempton Park . And through SAIC ’ s extensive global network , a steady , locally available inventory of high-quality parts has already been sourced to minimise downtime and deliver efficient servicing .
Reinforcing this commitment to quality and reliability , MG will offer a classleading warranty and comprehensive service plan , providing customers with absolute confidence and peace of mind . “ Our goal is to set a new standard for after-sales support and reliability in the South African market , emphasising MG ’ s long-term commitment to its customers here ,” Zhang concludes .
“ Offering the right product at the right price is crucial in a highly competitive market like South Africa . In that regard , MG has got the formula just right ,” states Mr Sky Zhang the General Manager for MG Motor South Africa .
“ The ZS is the first of a raft of new models we will be launching . As an international bestseller with numerous awards across three continents under its belt , the ZS combines SUV practicality with a compact size and an affordable price tag . With over a million units sold , it features styling and driving controls refined in
Britain to appeal to Western consumers , while boasting safety ( standard with six airbags ) and reliability in its DNA courtesy of its SAIC parent . This has resulted in a class-leading seven-year warranty that ’ s hailed as one of the best in the industry .”
The HS is the second model in MG ’ s SUV model lineup . Premiering at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed , from a sizing and status perspective , the HS has a distinctly high-end appeal without the associated high price . In its previous incarnation , it built up an enviable reputation for reliability and low running costs ; this latest generation adds style and refinement to the mix .
The HS features the ultra-slim ‘ hammerhead shark ’ front design and will be available with several powertrain options , including Hybrid variants . Initially , it will launch with the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre turbo engines . It was recently awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP test .
The all-electric Cyberster will rekindle the classic MG passion . This remarkable model is a fitting tribute to the pioneering sports cars that made MG a staple of the roadster market and a thoroughly forwardthinking take on the traditional MG roadster .
As to future model plans , Zhang is playing his cards close to his chest : “ All I can say at this stage is that hatchbacks , hybrid and mainstream electric models are definitely on the cards for South Africa as we want our local customers to be able to access the latest in automotive innovation from MG . Watch this space !”
For a comprehensive timeline of MG ’ s 100-year history please go to https :// www . mg . co . uk / mg-centenary
aBr WORDS IN ACTION 08 JANUARY • FEBRUARY • MARCH 2025