From its British roots, the MG brand has been redefined under the ownership of China’s SAIC Motor. Engineered to be a primary force in overseas markets rather than a fallback option, MG has been steadily expanding its presence in Europe since late 2019. SAIC has strategically positioned MG to appeal directly to European customers. From brand positioning and product offerings to sales and service networks, MG was redesigned with Europe in mind.
MG is Leading Chinese Brand in Europe
In 2024, MG topped China’s independent brands in Europe with roughly 240,000 vehicles sold, outpacing BYD (150,000) and Chery (50,000). According to MG Motor Europe, sales climbed 5.1% in 2024 to 243,395 units, though pure-electric vehicle sales faced headwinds from tariffs—dropping a third to 72,066 units.
More from ElectricFleet: MG EVs Available in Europe
The MG4 EV is a prime example of MG’s European strategy. Launched in 2022, it has become one of the brand’s most successful models in Europe. It achieved over 62,000 sales, won the “Best EV under €40,000” award, and earned five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. MG has already rolled out the new MG4 in China, built on SAIC’s latest E3 electric platform with a refreshed battery and improved driving range. While European availability hasn’t yet been confirmed, the brand recently unveiled the IM5 and IM6, and let’s not forget the MG Cyberster, the first all-electric roadster in Europe. MG’s leadership has also announced plans to launch 13 new models worldwide within the next two years, strengthening its position in the fast-growing EV market.
SAIC’s Broader Role and Future Plans for MG
SAIC is vastly investing in innovation. With nearly 18 billion euros in R&D, over 26,000 patents, and its “Seven Technological Pillars 2.0” (including solid-state batteries, digital chassis, hybrid systems, Rubik’s cube batteries), SAIC supports MG with deep technological infrastructure. To sidestep EU tariffs and enhance delivery responsiveness, SAIC plans to establish production capacity in Europe, evaluating locations such as Spain, possibly targeting operations by late 2027.
Additionally, SAIC has chartered the largest car carrier in the world, with a capacity of 9,500 vehicles. This vessel is dedicated to transporting MG vehicles to Europe and forms part of SAIC’s broader logistics and sustainability strategy.
Compared to other Chinese EV manufacturers in Europe, MG stands out as a practical success story, combining smart strategy, innovation, and steady growth—achieved without unnecessary hype.
