MG predicts further gains
Thai-Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor-CP has set an ambitious sales target for 2018 of 30,000 cars, up 150% from last year, after a strong response from Thai buyers.
Pongsak Lertrudeewattanavong, vice-president for distribution at the company’s MG Sales Thailand subsidiary, said the MG brand in Thailand is expected to gain more success this year because Thais are becoming more aware of the trustworthiness of MG as a high-quality, locally made car with exceptional after-sale service.
The company also plans to launch two new MG models in 2018.
“In the coming year, the Thai economy is likely to see 4% growth because of the rising industries of imports and travel, which will have a knock-on effect to car sales, with about 950,000 more cars being sold,” Mr Pongsak said.
“The trend of the car market in 2018 will see an increase of multipurpose cars and smart cars, so internet cars will also become popular, and MG is the first company to invent the Internet of Things for vehicles.”
Mr Pongsak said the company also plans to expand the number of MG dealerships in Thailand from 80 to 120 in 2018 in order to strengthen MG’s position in the market.
Last year the company posted record-breaking sales of 12,013 cars, a 45% increase from 2016, but the performance was well below earlier expectations of 16,000 cars sold.
Mr Pongsak said the company was happy to set the new record in 2017, the fourth year of running the business in Thailand.
The subcompact MG3 had the largest volume with 6,033 cars, followed by 2,328 for the MG GS, 2,451 for the MG5, 433 for the MG6 and 768 for the new MG ZS.
All models are assembled locally.
“It has been a successful year for MG in Thailand, and our hard work and dedication have really paid off since establishing a presence in the country in mid-2014,” Mr Pongsak said.
Last December, SAIC Motor-CP opened a new 10-billion-baht production plant, occupying a 437-rai plot of land at Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 2 in Chon Buri.
The new plant has a maximum production capacity of 100,000 vehicles a year, with expectations to become a global production hub for right-hand-drive MG vehicles.