MG, the automaker formerly known as British but now owned by Chinese giant SAIC Motor, has become the first Chinese brand to exceed one million cumulative vehicle sales across the European Union and the United Kingdom. This milestone marks a significant shift in the automotive landscape, signaling growing consumer acceptance of Chinese-made cars in a traditionally competitive market.
Rapid Growth and Market Position
In 2023 alone, MG sold over 300,000 vehicles in Europe and the UK, including over 85,000 in the UK alone — a nearly 30% year-over-year increase. This performance has secured MG’s position as the top-selling Chinese automotive brand in Europe for the 11th consecutive year, and it now ranks 16th overall in EU and UK markets, making it the sole Chinese brand within the top 20.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Demand
The brand’s growth is driven by strong demand for both hybrid and electric vehicles. In 2023, MG sold 137,000 units of its Hybrid+ series (a 300% year-over-year increase) alongside 46,000 pure electric vehicles. This demonstrates a willingness among European consumers to adopt MG’s range of powertrain options.
Outperforming Market Trends
Notably, MG’s success comes at a time when the broader European automotive market is slowing down. In the first half of 2023, MG outsold Tesla in Europe with 153,000 units, while the overall European market saw a 0.9% decline. This growth rate (18.6% year-over-year) highlights MG’s ability to capture market share even amidst industry headwinds.
Expansion Timeline: From 50,000 to Over One Million
MG’s expansion in Europe has been rapid. Sales exceeded 50,000 units in 2021, crossed 100,000 in 2022, and doubled to 200,000 in 2023. Key markets such as Italy, Spain, and France have each surpassed 100,000 cumulative sales, while the UK remains the largest single market with over 370,000 vehicles sold (including over 100,000 electric models). As of January 2024, MG delivered nearly 26,000 vehicles in Europe, with a 15% year-over-year increase.
This surge in sales highlights the growing appeal of Chinese automakers in Europe, driven by competitive pricing, aggressive expansion strategies, and a willingness to adapt to local market demands. MG’s success will likely put pressure on established European brands to innovate and lower costs to maintain their market share.
