Six years after MG went bankrupt, the brand is set to return to the South African market with the official unveiling of its new MG6 five-seat liftback set for the Johannesburg International Motor Show in October.
MG is currently owned by Chinese auto giant SAIC (Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation) and its South African activities will fall under the auspices of Combined Motor Holdings (CMH).
For the last six years, the brand’s TF roadster has been available in some European markets, but the MG6 heralds the first new model for the brand since having been rescued from bankruptcy by Nanjing Automobile (later to be incorporated into SAIC) and the start of what MG South Africa’s COO, Vernon Beck, describes as “a massive expansion strategy” for the historic British brand.
“The MG6 is the first model that we will be bringing to South Africa,” Beck confirmed, “but there are a few more models currently under development.” He could not yet state any specific plans, but a new TF should also form part of the range.
Reports have suggested the development of a large saloon, in the Rover mould, as well as a few smaller hatchbacks. “Undoubtedly, the focus for MG would be to produce volume products, but it is clear that SAIC will try to remain true to MG’s heritage, which includes sporty vehicles,” Beck continued. Production of the SA-destined MG6 will take place in China, but the car will also be produced in CKD (complete knockdown)-form at MG’s headquarters in Longbridge, Britain. Most of the 300 engineers who worked on the development of the MG6 are also previous MG employees and the company is in the process of investing in a new engineering and new-product-development centre in Britain.
The first batch of MG6s will be powered by a 118 kW 1,8-litre turbopetrol engine, but Beck has confirmed that a few other drivetrains are now in final production, including a turbodiesel. And, apart from the MG6 and other engine options, CMH has plans to introduce one other model to its local line-up soon.
“Our preference would be for a strong local dealer presence,” Beck said. The company plans to sell the MG6 through 15 dealers nationwide, with roughly 40 per cent of these falling outside of the CMH stable. “We will require clear brand separation, especially since we will be launching with such a narrow product line-up. And we have clear plans to expand the brand’s presence and offering in the local market,” he continued.
The cars will be sold with full factory-backed warranties and CMH are currently looking at various motor- and service plan options.
Further details, including product specification and pricing, will only be available closer to the car’s official launch in October.
