In April, we reported that Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) was setting up shop in the Philippines. We followed that up with the confirmation from The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) that indeed, SAIC will be taking over the Morris Garages (MG) brand in the country. But it is never really official until you hear it from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

Just days after we published news about the upcoming MG vehicles coming to the Philippines under SAIC Motor Philippines, Inc. (SMP), the Chinese automaker makes everything official with a statement.

MG Marvel R

“Today, we mark the beginning of a new era in the Philippine automotive industry, one that will lead to a new wave of exceptional vehicles. SAIC Motor Philippines is poised to make a resounding impact in the automotive landscape, setting new benchmarks and redefining what it means to drive with excellence,” says Felix Jiang, president of SAIC Motor Philippines, Inc.

Felix Jiang, president of SAIC Motor Philippines, Inc.

The announcement happened at an event held by SMP for bank partners and MG dealer principals at The Fifth at Rockwell in Makati on July 19, 2023. It coincided with the presentation of the three electric vehicles the automaker will be launching by Q4 of 2023 - the 2024 MG Marvel R, the MG ZS EV, and the MG4.

The event’s guests of honor included Pedro Garcia, Vice President of SAIC Motor Spain, and Oleg Son, MG Motor Design Director.

MG4

Apart from importation, distribution, and aftersales operations, SMP’s functions also include the management of MG’s dealership network in the Philippines. It is currently composed of 42 authorized dealer locations nationwide. Four (4) more dealerships will open before the close of 2023, with the goal to have 60 MG dealerships running by 2025.

MG ZS EV

Interested clients may continue to visit authorized MG dealerships for their MG-related inquiries about sales and aftersales.