MG Motor Surpasses One Million European Sales, Eyes Local Production to Circumvent Tariffs
MG Motor, the British automotive brand now owned by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, has exceeded one million vehicle sales in Europe since 2011. This milestone comes as the company navigates evolving trade dynamics and accelerates its electrification strategy. The brand is too actively pursuing the establishment of a European manufacturing facility to mitigate the impact of new EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
A Resurgent Brand with Chinese Backing
Originally founded in Oxford, United Kingdom, in 1924, MG experienced a period of decline before being acquired by SAIC Motor in 2007 through the acquisition of Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC). MG Motor was subsequently revitalized, re-entering the European market in 2011 starting with the United Kingdom, and expanding across the continent by 2019, including the Czech Republic in 2022. Today, MG operates in 34 European markets, supported by a network of over 1,300 official dealerships.
Sales Growth and Electrification Push
MG’s European sales have demonstrated strong growth, increasing by 30% in 2025, reaching approximately 300,000 units. The MG ZS remains the best-selling model since 2011, with over 424,000 units sold. The brand is increasingly focused on electric vehicles, having delivered 317,000 electric cars to European customers since 2011, representing nearly a third of its total sales volume. The MG4 Electric has been a key driver of this growth.
MG’s electric vehicle lineup is expanding with models like the MG4 Urban, MG5 EV, and MG6 EV. MG Motor Europe is also offering hybrid options for models including the MG3, MG ZS, and MG HS.
Navigating EU Tariffs with Local Production
The introduction of EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles in November 2023, reaching 35.3%, has prompted MG to explore local production within Europe. According to reports, MG is seeking undeveloped land for a new factory, with a potential initial capacity of 100,000 units per year. Production could commence within 12 to 16 months of final project approval. A second factory, with similar capacity, is also under consideration.
Sales of MG’s battery electric vehicles (BEVs) fell by one-third in 2024, and their share of brand sales dropped to 30 percent from 47 percent in 2023, following the implementation of the tariffs.
Czech Republic as a Key Market
In the Czech Republic, the MG ZS is the best-selling model, accounting for 50% of sales. The ZS is available with both internal combustion engine and hybrid powertrains, priced from CZK 449,990 for the 1.5-liter engine version and CZK 524,990 for the hybrid variant. MG Motor currently operates 29 service centers in the Czech Republic and plans to launch the MG4 Urban and the MGS9 SUV in the spring of 2026.
Looking Ahead
MG Motor’s success in Europe demonstrates the growing appeal of affordable electric and hybrid vehicles. The company’s commitment to local production signals a strategic response to trade challenges and a long-term investment in the European automotive market. As MG continues to expand its model range and strengthen its dealer network, it is poised to further increase its market share and solidify its position as a key player in the European automotive landscape.