Where is mg made

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: MG (Morris Garages) vehicles are manufactured in multiple locations worldwide, with the largest production facility located in Lingang, Shanghai, China, which opened in 2007 and can produce over 300,000 vehicles annually. SAIC Motor Corporation, which acquired MG in 2007, operates additional manufacturing plants in Thailand, India, and the UK, with the Longbridge plant in Birmingham, England, producing limited models since 2011.

Key Facts

MG's primary manufacturing hub is in Lingang, Shanghai, China, with an annual capacity exceeding 300,000 vehicles
SAIC Motor acquired MG in 2007 for approximately £50 million, reviving the brand after its 2005 bankruptcy
MG production resumed in the UK in 2011 at the Longbridge plant, which now assembles about 3,000 vehicles per year
MG expanded to Thailand in 2019 with a factory in Rayong producing right-hand drive models for ASEAN markets
MG's Indian manufacturing began in 2019 at SAIC's Halol plant in Gujarat, with an initial investment of $310 million

Overview

MG (Morris Garages) is a British automotive brand with a storied history dating back to its founding in 1924 by Cecil Kimber in Oxford, England. Originally known for producing sports cars like the iconic MGB, the brand faced financial difficulties in the late 20th century, culminating in bankruptcy in 2005. This led to the acquisition by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor Corporation in 2007, which revived MG as a global brand with modern manufacturing facilities across multiple continents.

Today, MG operates as part of SAIC Motor, one of China's largest automotive groups, with manufacturing strategically located to serve different regional markets. While the brand maintains its British heritage in design and marketing, production has shifted primarily to China, with additional facilities established in key markets like Thailand, India, and the UK. This global manufacturing network allows MG to compete effectively in the international automotive market, particularly in the affordable electric vehicle segment.

How It Works

MG's manufacturing strategy involves centralized production in China supplemented by regional assembly plants to optimize costs and meet local market demands.

Primary Manufacturing Hub: The Lingang plant in Shanghai serves as MG's main production facility, covering 1.2 million square meters with advanced automation systems. This facility produces approximately 80% of all MG vehicles globally, utilizing SAIC's modular vehicle platforms that allow for efficient production of multiple models on the same assembly lines. The plant employs over 5,000 workers and operates with a production cycle time of just 60 seconds per vehicle during peak capacity.
Regional Assembly Operations: MG establishes smaller assembly plants in key markets to avoid import tariffs and customize vehicles for local preferences. The Thailand facility in Rayong, opened in 2019, specializes in right-hand drive production for Southeast Asian markets, with an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles. Similarly, the Indian plant in Halol, Gujarat, produces models specifically adapted for Indian road conditions and consumer preferences.
UK Heritage Production: The Longbridge plant in Birmingham maintains limited production capacity primarily for symbolic and marketing purposes. Since resuming operations in 2011, this facility has assembled approximately 30,000 vehicles, focusing on final assembly of certain models using CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits shipped from China. This approach allows MG to maintain its "Made in Britain" claim for select vehicles while keeping costs manageable.
Supply Chain Integration: MG leverages SAIC's extensive supplier network, with over 70% of components sourced from Chinese suppliers. The manufacturing process incorporates just-in-time delivery systems and quality control protocols that include 2,000+ inspection points per vehicle. This integration allows MG to maintain competitive pricing while meeting international safety and quality standards.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Chinese Manufacturing (Lingang)	UK Assembly (Longbridge)
Annual Production Capacity	300,000+ vehicles	3,000 vehicles
Primary Market Focus	Global export (80+ countries)	UK and select European markets
Manufacturing Automation	85% automated processes	Primarily manual assembly
Vehicle Types Produced	Full range (EVs, SUVs, sedans)	Limited models (MG3, MG ZS)
Average Production Cost	$12,000 per vehicle	$18,000 per vehicle

Why It Matters

Global Market Access: MG's distributed manufacturing allows the brand to compete in 80+ countries with tailored products for each market. In 2023, MG sold over 600,000 vehicles worldwide, with particularly strong performance in Europe where it captured 2.1% of the EV market. This global presence has transformed MG from a niche British brand to a mainstream international automaker.
Affordable EV Production: MG's Chinese manufacturing base enables competitive pricing in the electric vehicle segment. The MG4 Electric, produced in Lingang, starts at £26,000 in the UK—approximately 30% less than comparable European EVs. This pricing strategy has helped MG become Europe's best-selling Chinese car brand, with EV sales increasing by 150% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Economic Impact: MG's manufacturing operations create significant employment and economic activity in host countries. The Lingang plant alone supports approximately 15,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the UK operations maintain 300 manufacturing positions at Longbridge. Additionally, MG's export activities contribute to trade balances, with the brand exporting over 400,000 vehicles from China in 2023.

Looking forward, MG plans to expand its manufacturing footprint with new facilities in Europe and Latin America to reduce shipping costs and import tariffs. The brand aims to increase global production to 1 million vehicles annually by 2027, with particular focus on electric models that will comprise 50% of its lineup. This expansion strategy positions MG to capitalize on the global transition to electric mobility while maintaining the cost advantages of its established Chinese manufacturing base. As automotive production becomes increasingly globalized, MG's hybrid manufacturing model—combining centralized efficiency with localized adaptation—offers a compelling blueprint for heritage brands navigating 21st-century market realities.