Chinese brand at the Geneva Motor Show: MG shows new brand and cheap hybrids

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The British brand MG once represented compact and light fun vehicles. However, after the bankruptcy in 2005, the trademark rights were sold to China and MG disappeared. About two years ago, the old traditional brand, now owned by the Chinese SAIC Group, celebrated its return to Europe and has since achieved initial sales success with models such as the mid-size crossover Marvel R and the MG5 electric station wagon. and the compact MG4 Electric. In Germany, MG became the largest Chinese importer with more than 20,000 cars sold in 2023, ahead of electric giant BYD, which, like MG, is currently making a major appearance at the new edition of the Geneva Motor Show (see box). MG’s motto is: A little more car for a little less budget.

MG is one of the few car manufacturers to have a presence on show floors in Geneva. The Chinese want to use the stage to present two world premieres on their stand. On the one hand, there is the new version of the small car MG3, which now has petrol hybrid drive instead of a pure petrol engine as in the previous model. There are rumors that prices are below 20,000 francs. This isn’t official yet, and neither is the market launch, which is planned to take place in Europe in 2024. Alongside the MG3 Hybrid Plus, the MG Cyberster roadster exhibited last year can also be admired at the Palexpo halls in Geneva. Final information about the ride, performance, range and price of the sporty top model must then also be conveyed.

New sports brand IM

But the new brand that MG wants to present in Geneva is at least as exciting: IM models, which stands for Intelligent Mobility, aim to “demonstrate new technological perspectives and represent an extraordinary driving experience,” according to the company’s statement. An idiom. There isn’t much information yet. However, what is known is that the L6 electric middle class sedan will be the first vehicle to come to Europe. That’s what it’s all about: The sports model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds. Depending on the version, the lithium-ion or solid-state battery is expected to provide a range of more than 600 or 800 kilometers.

Unlike many other European countries, the MG brand is not yet represented in Switzerland. However, the appearance in Geneva may at least be a sign that the Chinese are planning to enter the market in the near future. MG may reveal more information about this at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

Source: Blick