In the glow of its glorious past, MG has long been a symbol of pride for the British automotive industry. After 100 years of development through many challenges and changes, MG stands strong on the global stage under the magical touch of SAIC Motor Group.
A Past That Shaped History in the UK
Born from the racing passion of Cecil Kimber, a pioneer in the UK’s automotive industry, MG—short for Morris Garages—was founded in 1924, with its iconic octagon logo. Initially aimed at creating sports cars, MG vehicles embodied British spirit and quickly became a sensation among car enthusiasts.
In its early decades, MG became famous for its charming and elegant roadsters, such as the MG T-Type and MGA. The inclusion of the MG K3, which triumphed in the Mille Miglia, one of the world’s most grueling races at the time, further cemented MG’s status as a British icon in the automotive world. Two MG models, the TC and Midget, even made their way into films, becoming symbols of romance and adventure. The most notable example was the MGC-GT, a British racing green model chosen by King Charles III as his first car when he was still the Prince of Wales.
In 1980, MG hit a financial crisis, and the production line at Abingdon ceased operations. It seemed like the end of a legend, but this was just the beginning of MG’s new chapter.
A Future in the Magic Hands of China
In 2007, SAIC Motor, one of China’s leading automotive groups, acquired MG from Nanjing Automobile. Not just an investor, SAIC acted as a powerful force from the East, breathing new life into the MG brand. Starting with affordable, modern, and basic models that matched evolving trends, MG gradually expanded into China, Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Southeast Asia.
Although its early years in the UK were tough, with models like the MG6 and MG3 receiving little attention, everything changed with the launch of the MG ZS in 2017. Especially notable was the fully electric version of the MG ZS, a groundbreaking product that successfully helped MG enter the European car market. Since 2023, MG has seen explosive growth in both sales and brand reputation across its markets.
The Electrification Strategy for MG Cars
In the race for electrification, China has emerged as a global leader, and MG is no exception, backed by its parent company SAIC Motor. The MG4 EV is a clear testament to this direction. Since its debut in 2022, the MG4 EV has consistently ranked among the best-selling affordable electric vehicles in Australia. Alongside the success of the MG4 EV, the MG Cyberster, a two-door electric sports car, has generated significant buzz in the industry. The MG Cyberster was named the Best Electric Roadster at the 2024 Top Gear Electric Vehicle Awards, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to electrification.
MG’s production cost advantages and its ability to supply quickly give it a competitive edge against Japanese and Korean carmakers. Currently, its two factories in the UK and Thailand enable MG to rapidly serve the strategic markets of Europe and Southeast Asia.
MG, the Successful Chinese Brand in Vietnam
Mr. Thắng (Vietnam): The moment I saw the MG5, I decided to sell my Hyundai Grand i10 without even consulting my wife. On the day we went to the showroom to pick up the car, my wife thought I had won the lottery and was upgrading to a luxury car! Two years later, luckily, our marriage is still going strong, all while driving this incredibly beautiful car.
Since SAIC replaced Tan Chong as the official distributor in 2023, MG has become the most successful Chinese car brand in Vietnam as of 2024. The current product lineup includes eight models, four body styles—Sedan, CUV, SUV, and Roadster—comprising seven gasoline models and the latest electric model, the MG4 EV.
MG’s design aesthetics are drawing attention in the market, with their models often considered the most stylish in their respective segments. When talking about MG cars, the word #beautiful is often the first to come to mind. It couldn’t be otherwise!
From the windswept roads of the UK to the bustling avenues of China, Europe, Australia, and Vietnam, MG continues to write its 100-year young brand story, linking a glorious past with a promising now. The year 2024 marks the pivotal milestone of MG’s 100 years in the global automotive industry. According to its plans, by 2030, MG will gradually introduce hybrid, EV versions alongside gasoline cars in the Vietnamese market.
10 Milestones in MG’s 100-Year Young Journey
01. MG Founded (1924)
MG was founded in 1924 in Oxford, UK, by Cecil Kimber. The first car to bear the MG brand was the 14/28 Super Sports, marking the beginning of an automotive icon.
02. First Record (1931)
The MG EX120 set a new speed record for cars with an engine capacity of 750cc, becoming the first four-wheeled vehicle to exceed 160 km/h.
03. Introduction of the MGA (1955)
The MG Octagon commercial model was officially introduced and exported to the US, marking a significant moment in MG’s history.
04. Production of the MGB (1962)
Following the MGA, the MGB was launched in 1962, becoming one of MG’s best-selling models, produced continuously until 1980.
05. Cease of Operations (1980)
MG encountered a major crisis, and production ceased at Abingdon in 1980, signaling the end of a glorious era.
06. Brand Revival (1982)
MG resumed production under the management of the Austin Rover Group. The ‘hot hatch’ models MG Metro and MG Metro Turbo were introduced.
07. Revival Under BMW (1992)
After BMW acquired Austin Rover, MG was revived with the 1995 launch of the MGF, a two-door sports roadster designed by Peter Stevens.
08. Acquisition by Nanjing (2005)
In 2005, Nanjing Automobile acquired the MG brand and the Longbridge plant, marking the beginning of a new chapter for MG.
09. Merger with SAIC Motor (2007)
Nanjing Automobile merged with SAIC Motor, officially bringing MG back into the global automotive race under the name MG Motor.
10. Celebrating 100 Years (2024)
MG is making a bold transformation to become a truly international brand, seamlessly integrating into the ongoing electric vehicle revolution.
