China's SAIC will be entering the Indian car market by 2019. The firm will debut here with its MG brand and is expected to commence sales operation with two new SUVs.
Chinese auto major SAIC Motor Corporation has officially announced that it will be entering the Indian automobile market by 2019. The firm plans to run its operations with a full-fledged production unit in the country and is currently finalising the location as well as its product portfolio.
SAIC Motor Corp will commence its operations in India with MG Motor (Morris Garages) – the British brand which the Chinese auto group acquired in 2008. The establishment will run as a fully-owned subsidiary under the banner, MG Motor India. At the moment, there’s no information on what all products will make it to the Indian market upon the brand’s arrival here. However, it’s reported that the firm will launch two new SUVs as and when it enters our market. The MG GS you see in the picture below could be one of the first product launches by the brand in India. Subsequently, SAIC is also expected to bring in hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs from its global portfolio, which includes brands like Maxus and Roewe.
As for SAIC's production unit in India, the Chinese automaker is currently evaluating buying General Motors’ Halol facility in Gujarat, post the American manufacturer’s decision to shut shop in India. There’s no confirmation if the deal between the two manufacturers has been finalised or not. That said, it’s very likely that SAIC will buy the Halol facility from GM and start its innings in India from the same facility.
In addition to this, MG Motor India has appointed, Rajeev Chaba, ex-GM India head, as its President and Managing Director. The company has also got another industry veteran, P. Balendran, onboard for the role of Executive Director.
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