Photography: MG
Chinese sales leader in Europe, SAIC has yet to confirm the establishment of its factory in Europe. This situation will soon come to an end as the matter will be settled in the fall. Three countries are still in the running…
With its big ambitions and two planned factories on the Old Continent, BYD almost overshadows MG. However, let’s not forget that the brand under the control of the SAIC group remains the number one Chinese firm in Europe. With over 200,000 units sold last year, it even ranks ahead of Jeep, Suzuki, or Cupra, and made a noteworthy entry into the Top 20.
MG has clearly exceeded the volume threshold that requires local production. Especially since its European sales represent nearly a third of its global volumes, and double what the brand manages to sell in its domestic market… Surprisingly, SAIC has not made a decision yet.
But that is about to change. The manufacturer will announce its decision before September 30th. With the new taxes imposed by the European Union, things are becoming urgent. MG hopes to see the first “made in Europe” models arriving in dealerships before the end of 2027.
Three countries still seem to be in the running to host what will be the fifth factory for the brand’s vehicles outside of China. Despite its celebrated British origins at Goodwood, MG will certainly not choose the United Kingdom where the last car bearing the octagon was produced in 2016 at the Longbridge site… After hosting Chery, Spain is the favorite. But Hungary and the Czech Republic are still in contention.
The MG4 and the SUV S5 will be at the forefront for production in this new factory.