Where is mg car made

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: MG cars are primarily manufactured in China by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, with the main production facility located in Lingang, Shanghai. The brand, originally British, was acquired by SAIC in 2007, and since then, all new MG models have been produced in China, with over 1 million vehicles sold globally in 2023.

Key Facts

MG is owned by SAIC Motor, China's largest automaker, which acquired the brand in 2007
Main production is at the SAIC Motor Lingang plant in Shanghai, with an annual capacity of 400,000 vehicles
MG sold over 1 million vehicles globally in 2023, with China accounting for approximately 60% of sales
The brand was originally founded in Oxford, UK in 1924 and produced cars there until 2005
MG exports to over 80 countries, with key markets including Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia

Overview

MG, originally known as Morris Garages, is a British automotive brand with a storied history dating back to its founding in Oxford, UK in 1924. The brand gained fame for producing iconic sports cars like the MG Midget and MGB, becoming synonymous with affordable British motoring. However, financial struggles led to multiple ownership changes, including periods under British Leyland and BMW, before production of traditional MG models ceased in the UK in 2005.

In 2007, Chinese state-owned automaker SAIC Motor Corporation Limited acquired the MG brand and intellectual property, marking a significant transformation. SAIC, China's largest automaker by production volume, revived MG as a global brand with modern vehicles manufactured primarily in China. Today, MG produces a range of vehicles including electric cars, SUVs, and sedans, with manufacturing centered at SAIC's advanced facilities in Shanghai and other Chinese locations.

How It Works

MG's manufacturing and global distribution system operates through SAIC's integrated automotive ecosystem.

Primary Manufacturing Hub: The main production facility is the SAIC Motor Lingang plant in Shanghai, which covers approximately 1.2 million square meters and has an annual production capacity of 400,000 vehicles. This highly automated facility uses advanced robotics and employs over 5,000 workers, producing models like the MG ZS, MG HS, and electric MG4 for global markets.
Supply Chain Integration: MG benefits from SAIC's extensive Chinese supply chain, with over 500 Tier-1 suppliers located within 500 kilometers of the main factory. This proximity reduces logistics costs by approximately 15% compared to European manufacturers and enables just-in-time delivery systems that maintain 3-5 days of inventory for most components.
Global Distribution Network: MG vehicles manufactured in China are exported to over 80 countries through SAIC's international division. The company operates assembly facilities in Thailand and India for regional markets, with the Thai plant producing approximately 50,000 vehicles annually for Southeast Asian markets since 2019.
Research and Development: SAIC invests over $2 billion annually in R&D across its brands, with dedicated MG design centers in Shanghai and London. The Shanghai Technical Center employs more than 3,000 engineers working on MG-specific projects, including the development of electric vehicle platforms that power current models like the MG4 EV.

Key Comparisons

Feature	MG Manufacturing (Current)	Traditional MG Manufacturing (Pre-2005)
Primary Location	Lingang, Shanghai, China	Longbridge, Birmingham, UK
Annual Production Capacity	400,000+ vehicles	Approximately 50,000 vehicles at peak
Ownership Structure	SAIC Motor (Chinese state-owned)	Various British owners including British Leyland
Global Market Reach	80+ countries with significant presence in Europe and Asia	Primarily UK and select export markets
Electric Vehicle Focus	Major EV producer with 30% of sales electric in 2023	Primarily internal combustion engine vehicles
Automation Level	Over 90% automated welding, 85% automated assembly	Largely manual assembly processes

Why It Matters

Global Automotive Shift: MG's transformation represents the broader shift of automotive manufacturing to China, which produced over 30 million vehicles in 2023, accounting for approximately 35% of global production. SAIC's acquisition and successful revival of MG demonstrates Chinese automakers' growing capability to manage and expand international brands.
Electric Vehicle Accessibility: Under SAIC, MG has become a significant player in affordable electric vehicles, with the MG4 EV starting at approximately £26,000 in the UK, making it one of Europe's most affordable EVs. In 2023, MG sold over 240,000 electric vehicles globally, contributing to broader EV adoption.
Economic Impact: MG's manufacturing supports thousands of jobs in China's automotive sector and generates substantial export revenue. The brand's European success, with over 230,000 vehicles sold in Europe in 2023, represents one of the most successful Chinese automotive exports to developed markets.

Looking forward, MG plans to expand its electric vehicle lineup with 5 new fully electric models by 2025 and increase global sales to 1.5 million vehicles annually by 2027. The brand's evolution from a struggling British marque to a globally competitive Chinese-manufactured automaker illustrates the dynamic nature of the global automotive industry, where manufacturing expertise, supply chain advantages, and strategic ownership can revitalize historic brands for new generations of drivers worldwide.