MG prepares a rival of the electric R5, but it may not upset the market

In recent years, MG has made an important place in Europe by breaking the prices of the electric cars market. However, the brand does not offer electric city car, an increasingly important segment to which Renault addressed with its R5 e-tech.

For good reason, the Chinese market is not very fond of small cars and the most compact models offered there are generally quite obsolete. MG was therefore unable to import one of its models sold in China, unlike the rest of its range. But the English brand under Chinese fold is well aware of the potential of such a model.

“I have always thought that it was the next market that was going to develop, because as Europe turns to electric vehicles, the easiest way to make them more affordable is inevitably reducing the size of vehicles”explained David Allison, at the head of MG UK, at Coach. “If we take Italy, for example, the market share of electric vehicles is less than 4 %, it is tiny. It is because many models are not really adapted to Italian roads.”

This difference between the Chinese and European markets is worth at the next MG electric city car, nicknamed MG2, to be developed in the United Kingdom. “It must be, because this car would not be successful in China”explains David Allison. “In many Asian markets, like Korea, we generally do not see smaller cars than a tailor sedan of the C segment. So try to design [en Chine] A four -meter battery electric car that has a very European style would not really work. “

Not sure that she is able to break the prices

This MG2 should display a competitive rate against the Renault 5 E-Tech, said David Allison to our colleagues fromCoach. The French city car starts at € 24,990, but it is eligible in France to state aid (ECE bonuses succeeding the ecological bonus).

However, this statement is probably based on the British market and the MG2 may not be as competitive in France, especially if it is produced in China. Recall that in the EU, the SAIC group of which MG is a part of the highest customs duties inflicted on electric cars produced in China, with no less than 35.3 % to add to the 10 % of general import rights.

Even if it managed to appear under the € 25,000, the MG2 would not be as competitive on its segment as the other MG models. The MG4 electric compact is even already sold from only € 24,990 via a discount of € 5,000 currently in force. We imagine that the MG2 could hardly be sold much cheaper in view of the information put forward by David Allison.

In addition, MG’s electric city car is only expected in 2028, while other competitors are about to be launched, especially at the Volkswagen group. Other Chinese manufacturers are also starting to tackle this market, such as Byd and its Dolphin Surf Sold from € 19,990.