THE MG Cyberster takes center stage in a bold showroom, reflecting SAIC’s global push for innovation and style. Photograph courtesy of SAIC MOTOR
BLAST

SAIC drives global growth with local focus

TDT

SAIC Motor, the parent company of MG’s official distributor in the Philippines, is rolling out a bold international strategy that blends advanced technology with an understanding of local market needs. The plan includes releasing 17 brand-new vehicles, ranging from SUVs and sedans to MPVs and pickups, over the next three years, all designed with specific regional demands in mind.

These new models will feature cutting-edge hybrid tech and innovations like solid-state batteries. It’s all part of SAIC’s push toward smarter, more connected, and cleaner mobility solutions for the future.

China’s top vehicle exporter, SAIC has shipped more than 5.5 million units overseas as of the end of 2024. The company has been the country’s leading exporter for eight straight years, with over a million units sold abroad annually in the last three years. Notably, a quarter of these now go to developed markets in Europe.

SAIC’s footprint has grown to cover over 100 countries and regions, backed by a wide-reaching network of 100+ parts production bases, 20 regional hubs, more than 3,000 dealerships, and major R&D hubs in London, Silicon Valley, and Tel Aviv. It also runs manufacturing plants in Thailand, Indonesia, India and Pakistan.

As it shifts from focusing purely on output to delivering locally relevant value, SAIC is putting resources into smarter vehicle ecosystems tailored for each market. Software and hardware will be adjusted for local regulations, including L2-level assisted driving tech that matches regional safety rules.

Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines, is a major part of this strategy. SAIC isn’t just selling vehicles; it’s also looking into local assembly, forging partnerships, and creating jobs to support regional industry development.

In the Philippines, the company wants to connect with local drivers by improving after-sales service and expanding MG’s dealership network for better accessibility. SAIC is also leaning into the Filipino spirit of malasakit, offering genuine care through its customer support.

MG, now under SAIC’s wing, is evolving into a modern global brand. Since SAIC acquired it in 2007, over 10 MG models have been launched worldwide, with more than 5 million units sold and top-10 rankings in more than 20 countries. In the Philippines, MG just kicked off its “Made Global. Made Great.” campaign to highlight its focus on delivering style, value, and performance to today’s Filipino drivers.