SAIC Motor and JSG Grou have recently entered into a strategic joint venture. The JSW Group will hold 35 per cent in the Indian joint venture operations. SAIC will provide advanced technology and products to joint venture to deliver extraordinary mobility solutions with an unwavering focus on the Indian consumers. In order to accelerate growth, MG Motor India, the SAIC-owned British brand, is planning to launch 7 new models in the Indian market in the next couple of years.
Few days back, a group of dealers were invited to SAIC’s headquarters in Shanghai. The company showcased a line-up of models to dealers, and some of which would be introduced in India over the next 24 months. The report claims that MG Motor “have a long-term plan for the Indian market and are looking to straddle various segments with multiple offerings.”
It is reported that MG Motor India is unlikely to introduce only ICE powered models to India. The company will focus on hybrids including plug-in hybrids and battery-operated vehicles. All MG models including the Gloster will be updated in our market over the period of next 1-2 years. At the 2023 Auto Expo, the company had showcased a wide range of EVs and hybrid models from its global line-up. The line-up includes eHS, a plug-in hybrid SUV, Mifa 9 electric MPV, MG4, MG5 and others.
MG is working on improving its dealer network. From 330 touchpoints in 158 cities, MG aims to increase its dealer touchpoints to 400 in 270 cities by December 2023. The SAIC invested around 5000 crore in India and was ready to infuse a similar amount more. However, the proposal has been stuck since 2020 due to border tensions between India and China.
MG Motor India is expected to launch the MG4 electric hatchback and the MG5 electric estate in the Indian market. It is likely to introduce the re-badged version of the Baojun Yep electric SUV. In fact, MG Motor India has recently patented Yep’s design in India. It has been designed on the Global Small Electric Vehicle (GSEV) platform, which is also the basis for the Comet EV. The Baojun Yep measures 3,381mm in length, 1,685mm in width, and 1,721mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,110mm. It is equipped with a 28.1kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery and a 68hp electric motor. It is claimed to offer a range of up to 303km on a single charge.
