Last year MG entered into the list of Top 10 for Australian new-car sales. This was also the first time in Australian automotive history that a Chinese brand emerged among the Top 10.
Related: MG Leads Another Surge in Chinese New Car Sales in Australia
Now the Chinese brand has moved up to occupy the 7th place among highest-selling automakers on the Australian sales charts as of August 2022, ahead of Subaru, and behind Ford. According to Australian motoring media, MG has been able to achieve this because it has largely managed to avoid whole-vehicle supply issues which are plaguing its rivals, and it has also weathered parts-related cost increases better than others.
As per data, MG3 now commands 36% of the light hatch segment, and the ZS has captured 17% of the small crossover SUV marketplace. The brand looks to go from strength to strength with a solid initial shipment of its 2023 ZS EV electric car, now the cheapest new electric vehicle on sale in Australia, as well as a new product onslaught in the first half of next year with MG5 ICE sedan and the new MG4 electric hatchback which just made its global debut.
However there are major threats to MG’s meteoric rise on the horizon, both of which are upstart rivals from China. On the electric front this includes BYD, which has just launched its Atto 3 small SUV in Australia, which will be followed by the Seal EV sedan.
Related: MG HS & Haval H6 Climb to 6th and 7th Rank in Australia
While on all other fronts MG is facing a renewed push from GWM Haval, which is bringing in a strong commercial offering in the form of its Cannon pickup, as well as new small electric vehicles expected to arrive next year under the Ora banner, such as the Good Cat EV. GWM Haval predicts it will have the numbers and new products to catapult it from its current 13th position into the top 10 in the coming years.
But the director of sales and marketing of MG Australia, Giles Belcher said he is not fazed by these challengers. According to Giles:
“We welcome that competition. We think that anything that drives EV take up is good for the market. It’s good for buyers in Australia, and it’s good for the environment. There are 60 brands in the Australian market, and we respect all of them. Right now, we’re focused on bringing the most affordable EV we can for Australian consumers, and really sticking to our core DNA of offering the best value across each segment.”
MG also confirmed it would stick to its current strategy with its affordable vehicles like the MG3 light hatch and original MG ZS, which it said would continue to be sold alongside the more recent ZST, ZS EV, and upcoming MG4 electric hatchback and MG5 sedan.
Source: CarsGuide
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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