A ‘sleeper’ brand MG is relaunching on the New Zealand market, saying it is expanding its range of models and setting up an expanded nationwide dealer network.
The former British sports car brand with a 90-year heritage is now owned by one of China’s biggest motor companies, SAIC Motor.
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 today.
The vehicles will sell from $17,990, and will come with a five year unlimited kilometre 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 yesterday they believe New Zealand is a perfect fit for the MG brand.
SAIC Motor, which sold more than 7 million vehicles last year, is putting its full international weight behind the brand in New Zealand.
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 a motor industry veteran Anthony MacLean as Business Manager for New Zealand, working alongside the regional MG Motor team, including Danny Lenartic, Marketing Director, and Pavel Meck, Product Planning Manager.
“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 would arrive later this year, once new dealerships had been established. They’re offered with a highly competitive class-matching five-year warranty.
The MG3 Auto has a refreshed, exterior, stitched leather sports steering wheel, satin chrome finishes, and tartan stitching detail, while under the hood, the MG3’s 1.5L engine produces 82kW of power and uses 5.3L /100km.
The MG3 Auto will sell here for $17,990 plus on-road costs, the ZS will sell from $23,990, and the GS is listed at $27,990.
SAIC Motor acquired the distribution rights for MG vehicles in New Zealand from British Motor Distributors.
“The MG marque is going through a powerful transition – I would like to thank John Fairhall and British Motor Distributors for their professionalism and stewardship of the brand in recent years,” said Mr. Cao.