Where Is MG Electric Car Made Discover the Manufacturing Hub

MG electric cars are primarily manufactured in China, with production centered at SAIC Motor’s state-of-the-art facilities in Shanghai and Nanjing, leveraging cutting-edge EV technology. This strategic hub ensures global supply, including for key markets like the UK and Europe, combining cost efficiency with high-quality engineering. Discover how MG’s Chinese roots power its worldwide electric revolution.

Key Takeaways

• MG electric cars are made in China at SAIC’s state-of-the-art facilities.
• Global exports expand reach to Europe, Asia, and Australia.
• UK design influences models despite Chinese manufacturing base.
• Battery production is localized for efficiency and cost reduction.
• Quality meets international standards with rigorous testing protocols.
• Future hubs may emerge as MG scales global EV production.

The Global Story Behind MG Electric Cars

MG, short for Morris Garages, is a brand with a rich British heritage that has undergone a remarkable transformation in the 21st century. Once known for its classic roadsters and vintage sports cars, MG has reinvented itself as a modern, forward-thinking electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. Today, MG electric cars are making waves across Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa, offering affordable, feature-packed EVs that challenge the dominance of established automakers. But a burning question remains: where is MG electric car made?

The answer is more complex than one might expect. Unlike traditional automakers with a single manufacturing base, MG operates a truly global production network. While the brand’s roots trace back to England, the modern MG electric car is not solely a British product. Instead, it is the result of a strategic alliance, international supply chains, and cutting-edge manufacturing facilities spread across continents. Understanding where MG electric cars are made reveals not only the brand’s evolution but also the broader shift in the automotive industry toward globalization, localization, and electrification. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the manufacturing hubs, supply chain dynamics, and regional strategies that power MG’s electric vehicle revolution.

MG’s Global Manufacturing Footprint: A Strategic Overview

MG Motor, now owned by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), leverages its parent company’s vast infrastructure to produce electric vehicles at scale. SAIC, one of China’s largest automakers and a Fortune Global 500 company, has enabled MG to access advanced technology, economies of scale, and a global manufacturing ecosystem. This strategic advantage allows MG to produce high-quality electric vehicles at competitive prices while adapting to regional market demands.

SAIC’s Role in MG’s Production

SAIC acquired MG Rover Group in 2007, marking the beginning of MG’s transformation into a modern EV brand. Since then, SAIC has invested heavily in R&D, battery technology, and production facilities. The integration of MG into SAIC’s supply chain means that the electric vehicles bearing the MG badge are built using shared platforms, powertrains, and components with other SAIC-owned brands like Roewe and IM Motors. This synergy reduces costs and accelerates innovation.

For example, the MG ZS EV, one of MG’s most popular electric SUVs, shares its platform with the Roewe RX3 and uses SAIC’s proprietary battery and motor systems. This platform-sharing strategy is a key reason why MG can deliver EVs with long ranges (up to 440 km on a single charge) at prices significantly lower than European competitors.

Global Production Hubs and Their Functions

MG electric cars are not manufactured in just one location. Instead, production is distributed across multiple facilities to meet regional demand, reduce logistics costs, and comply with local regulations. The primary manufacturing hubs include:

• China (Pudong, Shanghai) – SAIC’s main EV production base, responsible for the majority of MG electric vehicles exported globally.
• Thailand (Chonburi) – A strategic Southeast Asian hub for right-hand drive markets, including Thailand, Australia, and the UK.
• India (Halol, Gujarat) – A growing facility serving the Indian subcontinent and neighboring regions.
• UK (Longbridge, Birmingham) – A symbolic and limited production site for niche models and R&D.
• Brazil (São José dos Campos) – A newer facility to serve Latin American markets with localized production.

This decentralized model allows MG to tailor production to regional needs. For instance, vehicles made in Thailand are adapted for tropical climates with enhanced cooling systems and corrosion-resistant materials, while those produced in China are optimized for mass export with standardized configurations.

Localization vs. Globalization: A Balanced Approach

MG strikes a balance between global standardization and local adaptation. Core components like batteries, motors, and software are developed and tested in SAIC’s Shanghai R&D center, ensuring consistency. However, final assembly, interior materials, and even charging port types (Type 2 in Europe, GB/T in China) are adjusted based on the target market.

Tip: If you’re considering an MG EV, check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to determine where your car was assembled. The 11th digit often indicates the manufacturing plant—helpful for understanding build quality and regional specifications.

China: The Heart of MG Electric Car Production

China is the undisputed epicenter of MG’s electric vehicle manufacturing. Over 70% of MG electric cars sold worldwide are produced in SAIC’s state-of-the-art facilities in the Pudong district of Shanghai. This region is part of China’s “Yangtze River Delta” economic zone, a global hub for automotive innovation and green technology.

SAIC’s Pudong EV Factory: A Technological Marvel

The SAIC Pudong plant is a fully integrated EV manufacturing facility spanning over 1.2 million square meters. It features:

• Automated welding and painting lines with AI-driven quality control.
• Battery pack production using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistries.
• Robotic assembly for precision in motor and drivetrain installation.
• Renewable energy integration – the plant is powered by solar panels and wind energy, aligning with China’s carbon neutrality goals.

The factory produces the MG4 Electric, MG ZS EV, and MG5 Electric for export to over 40 countries. With an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles, it can scale up quickly in response to demand spikes, such as during the European EV boom.

Battery Production and Supply Chain

Batteries are the most critical and expensive component of any EV. SAIC sources battery cells from top-tier suppliers like CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) and SVOLT, both based in China. These cells are assembled into packs at the Pudong facility using SAIC’s proprietary Battery Management System (BMS).

For example, the MG4 Electric uses a 64 kWh NMC battery pack that delivers 320 km of WLTP range. The battery is tested under extreme conditions—from -30°C to 60°C—to ensure reliability in diverse climates. SAIC also offers a battery swap program in select Chinese cities, a feature not yet available in Europe but indicative of future possibilities.

Export Strategy and Global Distribution

Once assembled, MG electric cars are shipped from Shanghai’s Yangshan Deep-Water Port, one of the busiest container terminals in the world. The logistics chain is highly optimized:

• Sea freight to Europe (Rotterdam, UK), Australia, and South America.
• Rail transport to Central Asia and Russia via the China-Europe Railway Express.
• Air freight for urgent deliveries or prototype vehicles.

Tip: Vehicles shipped by sea typically take 4–6 weeks to reach Europe. If you’re buying an MG EV in the UK, look for models with “EU-spec” labels to ensure compatibility with local charging networks and safety standards.

Thailand: The Gateway to Southeast Asia and Beyond

MG’s Chonburi plant in Thailand is a critical node in its global strategy. Opened in 2019, this $300 million facility was designed to serve the rapidly growing Southeast Asian EV market and to circumvent high import tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles in countries like Australia and the UK.

Chonburi Plant: Right-Hand Drive Specialist

The Chonburi factory specializes in right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles, a necessity for markets such as Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. This focus allows MG to avoid the costly process of re-engineering vehicles for RHD after assembly in China.

Key features of the Chonburi plant include:

• Flexible production lines capable of switching between MG ZS EV, MG4 Electric, and future models.
• Local sourcing of interior materials (leather, plastics) and electronics to reduce costs.
• Thai workforce trained in SAIC’s global manufacturing standards.

The plant has an annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles and currently produces around 60,000 units per year. It has become a major employer in the Chonburi region, with over 2,000 local workers.

Market-Specific Adaptations

MG Thailand doesn’t just assemble cars—it customizes them. For example:

• The MG ZS EV in Australia features a higher ground clearance and reinforced suspension for rough roads.
• The MG4 Electric in the UK includes winter tires and heated seats as standard.
• Thailand’s MG models come with enhanced air conditioning and UV-resistant window tinting.

This level of localization has paid off. In 2023, MG became the best-selling EV brand in Thailand, surpassing Tesla and BYD. The Chonburi plant also exports to India, South Africa, and the Middle East, making it a true regional hub.

Government Incentives and Free Trade Agreements

Thailand’s EV-friendly policies have been a game-changer. The government offers:

• Tax exemptions for EV manufacturers.
• Subsidies for local battery production.
• Free trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and ASEAN countries, reducing import duties.

As a result, MG Thailand can sell the ZS EV for under $30,000—making it one of the most affordable EVs in the region.

India and Brazil: Emerging Manufacturing Centers

MG is expanding its manufacturing presence in emerging markets to tap into growing EV demand and reduce dependency on exports. India and Brazil are two key frontiers in this strategy.

India: Halol Plant and the Road to Electrification

MG India operates a 170-acre facility in Halol, Gujarat, which began EV production in 2021. The plant assembles the MG ZS EV and MG Hector Plus PHEV (plug-in hybrid). While not a full EV production site yet, it’s a crucial step toward localization.

Key facts about MG India:

• Local sourcing: Over 75% of components are procured from Indian suppliers.
• Government support: The plant benefits from India’s “Production-Linked Incentive” (PLI) scheme for EVs.
• Future plans: MG plans to introduce a locally produced electric sedan by 2025.

The Halol plant currently produces 150,000 vehicles annually, with plans to double capacity by 2026. MG India has also partnered with Tata Power to build a nationwide EV charging network.

Brazil: São José dos Campos and Latin American Ambitions

In 2023, MG opened a new facility in São José dos Campos, São Paulo, marking its entry into the Latin American EV market. The plant assembles the MG ZS EV and MG5 Electric using semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits from China.

Why Brazil?

• Large consumer base: Brazil has over 200 million people and growing interest in EVs.
• Favorable tariffs: Locally assembled vehicles avoid high import taxes.
• Renewable energy: Brazil’s grid is 80% renewable, ideal for green manufacturing.

The facility has an initial capacity of 50,000 vehicles per year, with plans to expand. MG Brazil aims to capture 10% of the country’s EV market by 2025.

Challenges and Opportunities

While these new hubs offer growth potential, they face challenges:

• India: High import duties on batteries and limited charging infrastructure.
• Brazil: Economic instability and fluctuating exchange rates.

However, MG’s strategy of starting with SKD kits (where major components are imported and assembled locally) reduces initial investment and allows for gradual localization.

The UK: A Symbolic and Strategic Presence

The UK may no longer be MG’s primary manufacturing base, but it remains a vital center for brand identity, R&D, and niche production.

Longbridge: From Heritage to Innovation

The Longbridge plant in Birmingham is where MG cars were built for decades. Today, it serves as a design and engineering hub rather than a mass-production facility. The site hosts:

• MG’s UK Design Studio – where exterior and interior designs are refined for European tastes.
• EV Testing Center – for cold-weather performance, charging compatibility, and safety.
• Limited production – of special editions like the MG Cyberster, an all-electric roadster.

While most MG EVs sold in the UK are imported from China or Thailand, Longbridge ensures that British engineering and heritage remain part of the brand’s DNA.

European Market Adaptation

MG’s UK team works closely with SAIC’s Shanghai R&D center to adapt vehicles for Europe. For example:

• The MG4 Electric was redesigned with a larger infotainment screen and EU-compliant driver assistance systems.
• Charging ports were changed to Type 2 to match European standards.
• WLTP range testing is conducted in UK and German labs.

This collaboration ensures that MG EVs meet strict European safety, emissions, and consumer expectations.

Data Table: MG Electric Car Manufacturing Hubs (2024)

Location	Facility Name	Key Models Produced	Annual Capacity	Primary Markets	Specialization
Shanghai, China	SAIC Pudong EV Plant	MG4, ZS EV, MG5	300,000	Europe, Asia, Middle East	Battery production, export hub
Chonburi, Thailand	MG Thailand Plant	ZS EV, MG4, Hector PHEV	100,000	Thailand, Australia, UK, India	Right-hand drive, local adaptation
Halol, India	MG India Facility	ZS EV, Hector Plus PHEV	150,000	India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh	Local sourcing, PLI incentives
São José dos Campos, Brazil	MG Brazil Plant	ZS EV, MG5	50,000	Brazil, Argentina, Chile	SKD assembly, Latin American focus
Longbridge, UK	MG UK R&D Center	Cyberster (limited)	5,000 (niche)	UK, EU (design/testing)	Design, engineering, heritage

Conclusion: A Truly Global EV Brand

The question “Where is MG electric car made?” doesn’t have a single answer—and that’s the point. MG has evolved from a British icon into a truly global electric vehicle brand, leveraging SAIC’s manufacturing might, regional adaptation, and strategic localization. From the high-tech factories of Shanghai to the right-hand drive expertise of Thailand, and the emerging hubs in India and Brazil, MG’s production network reflects the future of the automotive industry: interconnected, flexible, and customer-focused.

For consumers, this means access to affordable, reliable, and well-equipped EVs that are tailored to local needs. Whether you’re driving an MG4 Electric in London, a ZS EV in Mumbai, or a Cyberster in São Paulo, you’re part of a global movement powered by innovation and collaboration. As MG continues to expand its manufacturing footprint and invest in new technologies, one thing is clear: the future of MG electric cars is not just made—it’s engineered for the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is MG electric car made?

MG electric cars are primarily manufactured in China, with production hubs in Shanghai and Ningbo. The company, now owned by SAIC Motor, leverages advanced facilities to produce models like the MG ZS EV and MG4.

Which country produces the MG electric car?

MG electric cars are made in China under SAIC Motor, a state-owned automaker. Some components may also be sourced globally to meet international standards.

Are MG electric cars made in the UK?

While MG originated in the UK, its electric vehicles are no longer produced there. Manufacturing shifted to China after SAIC’s acquisition, though design and R&D still involve UK teams.

Where is MG electric car battery manufactured?

MG electric car batteries are typically produced in China, often by SAIC’s joint ventures with suppliers like CATL. Some markets may see localized battery assembly for efficiency.

Is the MG ZS EV made in India?

The MG ZS EV is not made in India; it’s imported from China. However, MG Motor India assembles other models locally, like the Hector, but not its electric lineup yet.

Where is the MG4 electric car manufactured?

The MG4 is built in SAIC’s state-of-the-art factory in Ningbo, China. This facility focuses on EVs and exports the model to Europe, Australia, and other global markets.