There’s always the question of will Auto Expo 2020 live upto expectations, what with major manufacturers giving it a miss. Well, leaving criticism aside, Auto Expo 2020 could find salvation, and a lot of it comes from so called newbies. And that may be just the thing the Indian auto industry needs.
A wholesome breath of fresh air. MG India is taking the proverbial bull by its horns as it gets ready to show 14 global products. This we hope promises to be an eclectic mix of the past, present, and days to come.
Focused on future of mobility at Auto Expo 2020, one can anticipate a showcase that highlights internet, electric, and autonomous cars. The 14 car showcase will be across various market segments. And it will bring together MG’s British heritage, global portfolio and future platforms.
The range will include hatchbacks, sedans, and utility vehicles. This is MG Motor India’s first showing at the Auto Expo, and gives the manufacturer a national level platform to showcase its tech ability, and global focus as a modern brand.
At present, MG Hector is the brand’s only offering in the market. And the company has rightfully demonstrated just how much of a shake up is possible on the back of a single product. So, given the brand’s future planning, there’s already talks of a second plant.
MG was able to fasttrack its entry to India by operating out of an already built plant when it took over GM’s Halol plant, saving it any waiting period that comes along with construction from scratch. It’s likely, a future plant requirement too is met intelligently.
As path of it’s growth plan, MG ZS EV will be launched in the last week of January 2020. In addressing everyone’s pet peeve, the brand has set up charging infra at multiple dealerships around Delhi. This is an approach the company is likely to replicate in other cities over time.
Speaking about the brand’s presence at this year’s Auto Expo, Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG Motor India, said, “MG Motor India is committed to accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly, next-generation mobility solutions over the long term in India. To achieve this goal, we aim to establish our technology leadership and further consolidate our position in the Indian automotive space. Our presence at this year’s Auto Expo with a focus on future technologies for India is a testimony to this commitment. All MG products at the Expo operate at the intersection of our core focus on innovation, customer experience and sustainability-led development.”
In 6 months of sales, MG Hector sales had surpassed the 15k mark. The order books have crossed the 30k mark. In playing the market game well, MG, which is giving Tata Motors a tough time in the segment, is likely to continue doing so. A MG Hector 6-seater is being readied, and will get power from the current BSVI 2.0-litre diesel or 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The FCA-sourced diesel engine seen in Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass returns 173bhp of power, and 350Nm of torque. The turbo petrol motor returns 140bhp and 250Nm paired with 6-speed MT. A mild-hybrid with the petrol engine improves fuel economy. So as far is challenging Tata Harrier or Gravitas, MG Hector is ready to fire its own products in the segment.
