CAR intern Julian Steyn reports back from MG South Africa’s recent Brand Immersion Event, unpacking the brand’s impressive progress since it relaunched here, as well as its plans for future growth.
Image: MG SA
Relaunched in South Africa in 2025, under the current ownership of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), MG continues to enjoy impressive growth through a steadily expanding dealer network and a portfolio of compelling product offerings, including within the popular new energy segment (NEV). Since being acquired by SAIC since 2007, this proudly British brand has reportedly sold more than a million vehicles across Europe, with 300,000 units shipped to European markets and the United Kingdom in 2025 alone.
“We are very encouraged and energised by MG’s performance in the first quarter of 2026 and looking forward to even better results as we harness the momentum built over the first few months of 2026,” said Jack Wang, Vice President in charge of Sales and Marketing for MG Motor South Africa.
MG South Africa has reportedly gained a 1.6% increase in market share for the first four months of 2026, securing a top 15 spot among car brands operating in this market. Bolstered by products like the MG3 hatch, which is offered with a hybrid powertrain, the ZS Pro and HS SUV, a finance partnership with Wesbank – underpinned by strong finance application approval rates, dominated by customers in the low-risk category – continues to target a “financially savvy” customer base.
“We are particularly excited by the MG customer profile, which, backed up by the data from our vehicle finance partner, Wesbank, underpins our belief that there is a growing market for premium quality vehicles with European driving quality at mainstream price points,” continued Wang. “The MG ZS Pro, for example, perfectly encapsulates the MG brand’s approach to building vehicles that offer customers more than what they expect without compromising on the century-long spirit of driving enjoyment that underpins every MG vehicle. There is also no compromise on quality and reliability, as every MG model is supported by a comprehensive 5-year/150,000km warranty.”
MG also hinted that different powertrain options, as well as more trim levels, are being planned for the ZS Pro, the compact SUV which is currently sold exclusively with a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, with pricing for this two-derivative range starting from R397 600.
Head of Marketing at MG South Africa Christo Valentyn confirmed the local office has access to all right-hand-drive products in the brand’s global portfolio, with business models and case studies ready to pitch for any viable opportunity to expand the South African showroom.
While MG South Africa plans to discontinue the sale of the ageing MG ZS, an entry-level product that at launch announced MG’s intention to focus on value, the soon-to-be-expanded, more modern ZS Pro line-up is seen as a viable replacement for the outgoing ZS. Already available in Australia, the MG U9 double-cab bakkie, which we highlighted in 13 Significant Bakkies Likely Headed to SA in 2026, remains under consideration.
MG South Africa’s dealer network has expanded from 20 in 2025 to 49, sited across the country. These workshops are serviced by the brand’s proclaimed state-of-the-art parts distribution network.
“At the very core of MG vehicles today is our philosophy of being maverick in approach, but mainstream in accessibility,” concluded Wang. “MG’s history is filled with inventive ‘firsts’ for cars, and that spirit lives on today. We continuously strive to innovate with world-leading technology, accessible to everyone without compromising value. This is the philosophy that underpins our goal of exceeding everyday experiences.”
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