MG Motor India to introduce seven new models in India in 2 years
MG Motor India, the SAIC-owned British brand, plans to launch seven new models in the Indian market over the next couple of years, the company told a group of dealers invited to its headquarters in Shanghai within days of stitching a joint venture with the Sajjan Jindal-owned JSW Group.
A spokesperson at MG Motor India declined to comment. During their visit, the dealers were showcased a line-up of models—some of which would be launched in India over the next 24 months, said several dealers who attended the meet earlier this month.
On November 30, JSW Group and SAIC Motor announced an India joint venture to expand the operations of MG Motor owned by the Chinese.
As part of the agreement, JSW will hold a 35% stake in the JV announced on November 30. “They have a long-term plan for the Indian market and are looking to straddle various segments with multiple offerings,” said one of the persons who visited the company’s headquarters.
MG is unlikely to bring any completely new, only fossil-fuel powered models to India and will focus on hybrids including plug-in hybrids and battery-operated vehicles, the person added.
All the existing ICE models in their line-up will get an update. For instance, the Gloster – the premium SUV which rivals the Toyota Fortuner and Volkswagen Tiguan — will get an update next year.
At the auto expo in February this year, MG had showcased a raft of electric and hybrid models from its global portfolio. These included the eHS, a plug-in hybrid SUV, Mifa9 electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), MG4 electric hatchback, MG5 electric estate, among others.
The Indian market is very important for SAIC, and the company is seeking ways to improve its performance, a top official at SAIC told ET on the
