Back to future in NZ with China-owned MG
Chinese giant SAIC Motor is relaunching its MG brand on the New Zealand market, expanding its model range and dealer network.
It will recruit between eight and 10 dealers throughout New Zealand, who will sell a range of three MG vehicles, including two new models announced this week.
The vehicles will sell from $17,990, and come with a five-year warranty and roadside assist.
The new MG3 hatchback and MG ZS crossover models will be on the market later this year, along with an existing MG GS SUV, of which only 10 were registered last year.
But SAIC Motor executives said in Auckland this week they believe New Zealand is a perfect fit for the former British sports car brand.
The chief executive officer of SAIC Motor Australia and New Zealand, Peter Cao, said the company had studied this market in depth.
“We see New Zealand as the perfect fit for MG. 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,” he said.
As part of its expansion, MG Motor has appointed motor industry veteran Anthony MacLean as business manager for New Zealand. “Anthony brings with him a wealth of experience, and will work to expand our dealer network. 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.”
There were now 29 MG Motor dealerships in Australia, where sales had increased by 401 per cent last year.
Sales last month had been 849 per cent higher than in January 2018.
The new MG3 Auto and MG ZS will arrive later this year, once new dealerships have been established.
The MG3 Auto has a refreshed exterior, stitched leather steering wheel, satin chrome finishes, and tartan stitching detail, while under the hood its 1.5-litre engine produces 82kW of power and uses a claimed 5.3 litres/100km.
The MG3 Auto will sell here for $17,990, the ZS from $23,990, and the GS from $27,990.
SAIC Motor acquired the distribution rights for MG vehicles in New Zealand from British Motor Distributors. — Tony Verdon