SAIC Motor officially takes over MG in PH, to launch 3 new EVs
Change has come over to MG in the Philippines as it is taken over by the brand’s parent company in China, SAIC Motor. The new company, SAIC Motor Philippines, Inc. (SMP) will now handle the importation and distribution of MG vehicles in the country.
“Today, we mark the beginning of a new era in the Philippine automotive industry, one that will lead to a new wave of exceptional vehicles,” says Felix Jiang, President of SMP. “SAIC Motor Philippines is poised to make a resounding impact in the automotive landscape, setting new benchmarks and redefining what it means to drive with excellence.”
SAIC Motor, officially the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, is the largest of the “Big Four” state-owned automotive manufacturers in China. The company produces its own brands such as Maxus, Roewe, and Wuling, among others, and also produces vehicles from Audi, Volkswagen, and Chevrolet through joint ventures. SMP is a direct subsidiary of the large Chinese company.
SMP also previewed to bank partners and MG dealer principals three new fully-electric vehicles that are set to join the Sino-British automaker’s lineup: the MG 4, MG ZS EV, and MG Marvel R. They are expected to be launched and made available locally by the 4th quarter of this year.
In case you’re worried that your preferred MG dealership may be affected by this change, no need to because the brand’s network remains at 42 dealerships nationwide, with an additional 4 set to be operational before the year ends. SMP is also targeting to have 60 dealerships operational by 2025.
Before SMP, local MG operations were handled first by White Knight Automobiles in 2015. It was then taken over by The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the same company behind Chevrolet and Volvo operations in the country, in 2018. Under TCCCI, the MG brand grew in popularity, enough to become one of the top-selling car brands in the Philippine market.
With SAIC Motor Philippines now in the helm, it will be easier for Philippine customers to reach the latest offerings of the brand, as well as in aftersales. These are certainly exciting times for MG in the Philippines.
