MG is back
MG’S parent company, Chinese giant SAIC Motor, has taken over distribution of the iconic brand in New Zealand, writes Damien O’carroll.
Technically it never really went away, but the iconic British sports car brand MG has been relaunched into the New Zealand market with a far more meaningful presence, thanks to its parent company taking over official distributorship here.
The move also sees that parent company – Chinese car manufacturing giant SAIC Motor – making its first official representation in the New Zealand market.
The company’s MG products were previously being imported by British Motor Distributors. Taupo-based Great Lake Motor Distributors continues to handle its LDV commercial brand locally.
While MG is legendary for its sports cars, SAIC is relaunching it here with a range of two SUVS and a small car. The MG GS SUV has been available locally for a few years and it will shortly be joined by an updated MG3 small hatch and the all-new MG ZS small SUV.
The MG3 kicks off the local range, starting at $17,990, and will be available in Core and Excite models Both are powered by a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 82kw of power and 150Nm of torque. For the first time it will be available with an automatic transmission (something the previous model never offered here), although it is only a four-speed unit.
The all-new ZS will start at $23,990 and comes in Excite and Essence trims.
The Excite is powered by the 1.5-litre engine (and four-speed auto), and the Essence gets an all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo unit that produces 82kw and 160Nm but is hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The GS continues to top the range, starting at $27,990, and all MGS will come with an impressive five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, complete with roadside assist.
The cars will go on sale later this year, once SAIC has set up its initial dealership network, something the company says it is currently in the process of doing. It plans to eventually have eight to 10 dealerships, as well as parts and service representation across the country.
SAIC is one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, selling more than 7 million vehicles last year, and its Australian operation has experienced impressive growth since it debuted there late in 2016.
MG now has 29 dealerships in Australia and its January sales were 849 per cent higher than in January 2018. The company has gone from selling fewer than 600 cars in 2017 to notching up more than 3000 last year.
‘‘We see New Zealand as the perfect fit for MG,’’ said Peter Cao, chief executive of SAIC Motor Australia and New Zealand.
‘‘As a global brand, MG has evolved to today stand for great value, impressive design and high-quality manufacture and we anticipate it will appeal to New Zealand customers.’’
While the local operation comes under the Australian umbrella, the company has hired Auckland-based Anthony Maclean to the role of Business Manager for New Zealand.
‘‘Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience, and will work to expand our dealer network,’’ Cao said. ‘‘We have a strong focus on building trust, and creating jobs in the local market, engaging experienced, enthusiastic retail partners to represent MG in New Zealand.’’