The leading automaker from China has a feel for the new generation of Pinoy drivers, and it’s pulsing electric via the OG British brand MG
In case you haven’t felt it yet, the next major tectonic shift in the radically evolving automobile landscape is truly underway, and its epicenter can be traced back to one of the world’s largest economies.
This game-changing shift is all about electric vehicles (EVs) and the rapidly developing technologies, lifestyles, and ecosystems forming in and around them. China, which in recent years has become an emerging economic superpower, has wholeheartedly embraced EVs and everything they represent. The proof is in the sheer magnitude of the numbers.
According to the World Resource Institute’s “electric mobility” topic discussed by Joel Jaeger last Sept. 14, China is the fifth largest in the world in terms of percentage share of EV sales in its local market (22 percent), behind Norway’s 80 percent, Iceland’s 41, Sweden’s 32, and The Netherlands’ 24.
WRI revealed that this 22-percent share translates to 4.4 million all-electric vehicles sold in that country in 2022, outselling the 3 million EVs sold in the rest of the world, making China the world’s biggest EV market by far.
China’s all-around dominance in the global EV market has helped immensely in driving down costs related to EV production and use, such as batteries and motors, thus, also making it easier for the rest of the world’s markets to buy into EVs.
The heavily industrialized nation also saw vehicle electrification as a major solution to its burgeoning problems of air pollution and dependence on imported fossil fuels.
You might be wondering then, what does all this have to do with the Philippine market, whose EV industry is comparatively in its infancy? Well, it’s just that China’s largest auto manufacturer and exporter, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC Motor), has just set up shop in this neck of the woods, and its first offerings are—you guessed it— two EVs. And not just any EV brand, but one that has had a noble legacy to its badge, the British marque MG.
The Filipino public had its first look and drive of the MG EVs on October 6 at the Bonifacio Global City High Street Activity Center when SAIC Motor Philippines unveiled the Marvel R.
EV SUV and the MG4 EV Hatchback and revealed their introductory prices of P2,588,888 and P1,468,888, respectively.
With the entry of MG’s two new EVs into the Philippines from no less than China’s biggest automobile manufacturer, the stage is set for catapulting the British brand—which has enjoyed remarkable success in the local market since its re-introduction in 2018—to new highs. This has also been seen as a big boost to the general market acceptance of EVs, and two big steps closer to the future of Philippine mobility dominated by new-energy vehicles.
SAIC Motor Philippines’ game plan is especially focused on the new generation of Filipino drivers. Its president Felix Jiang has made it clear that this young market is more aware of how cars impact not just mobility, but more so the environment. In an exclusive interview with Inquirer Mobility, Jiang stressed that SAIC Motors intends to meet the demands of these young Filipino drivers “head on.”
This new generation of drivers, which Jiang disclosed has an average age of 22, “can easily absorb and accept new technologies,” he said. “Like many Filipinos of all ages, they like life. They like music, sports, and freedom. This (mindset) is a very good match with MG—which has a heritage of British sportiness.”
Jiang added that the young buyers are more mindful of how their buying preferences make an impact not just on their personal mobility but also on the environment and the other animals that share habitats with humans. He said that he “definitely sees a trend” with shifting preferences for cruelty-free and sustainable materials used in producing cars.
“Even the sporty brands are using recycled products and materials. For us, we are also trying to prevent using real animal skins in our vehicle interiors. Instead, we’re using high-tech materials to make the vehicle interiors get an even better feel, and also make them easier to clean,” Jiang said. He singled out the MG4 as an example of an EV that is priced more affordably, yet has that nicer feel to its interiors as no animal skins were used.
Jiang also acknowledged that the achievements MG in the Philippines had made in the past five years, would serve as solid springboards for the brand to win over an even bigger market.
“Since MG has had a string of successful model introductions, Filipinos now talk of how good and reliable the MG quality is,” he said. “It’s now time to level up their mobility experience by bringing in the new-generation EV MG4. And to help it gain traction in the market, that EV has come with a very aggressive pricing position.”
Expanding dealerships and EV charging infrastructure
In his speech to the motoring media who attended the unveiling, Jiang announced that MG Philippines would simultaneously expand its dealership network while investing in EV charging infrastructure.
“It is our goal to have 60 dealerships throughout the country by the end of 2025, and all of them will be equipped with EV charging stations and EV after-sales services.”
And that’s just the beginning, he quipped. “Our plans are ramping up, in line with the MG brand’s 100th anniversary just a few short months away in 2024. These are very exciting times for MG and for MG Philippines in particular. Aside from these two vehicles, we are proud to announce that no less than eight new MG models will be arriving on local shores over the next two years,” Jiang disclosed.
Those who want to get a head start on a more exciting future of mobility with MG should head on over to the BGC High Street Activity Center, where the MG Marvel R EV SUV and the MG4 EV Hatchback are on display and waiting to be test driven only up to 6 p.m. today, October 8.
