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MG Defies Market Trend with 67% Growth, Revises 2026 Sales Target to 36,000 Units, Expands EV Lineup from Mass to Premium

Auto05 Aug 2026 18:26 GMT+7

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MG Defies Market Trend with 67% Growth, Revises 2026 Sales Target to 36,000 Units, Expands EV Lineup from Mass to Premium

MG showcased its performance in the first half of 2026 with 16,920 vehicle registrations, advancing into the top five of Thailand's automotive market. This followed strong sales of over 13,000 units from three main electric vehicle models. The company plans to increase production capacity to address delivery shortages and is implementing a Dual-Market strategy targeting both mass-market and premium vehicles, aiming to elevate the brand into Thailand's top three automakers.

On 5 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Chatwitai Tantraporn, Deputy Managing Director of MG Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that in the first half of 2026, MG grew above the market with cumulative registrations of 16,920 units, up 67% compared to the same period last year. This propelled the brand to fifth place in Thailand's automotive market, holding a 4.5% market share.

Meanwhile, the overall Thai automotive market saw cumulative registrations of 374,424 units in the first six months of 2026, an increase of 16% from the same period last year, clearly showing MG's growth rate outpaced the overall market.

The key driver was the three main electric vehicle models: the New MG S5 EV Plus SUV with 6,341 registrations; the MG4 Electric with 6,018 units; and the premium electric SUV MG IM6 with 1,013 registrations, totaling more than 13,000 units combined.


“Due to demand exceeding allocated vehicle supply in the past, MG decided to raise its full-year 2026 sales target from 30,000 to 36,000 units, while increasing production capacity in the second half as supply chain conditions improve,” he said.

Currently, MG has a strong order backlog that the company considers solid. Most customers wait about 40-45 days for delivery, with some models taking up to two months. The first-half performance reflects growth across all dimensions, with strengths in electric vehicle products covering key market segments and a dealer network capable of supporting expansion.


For the second half, MG will continue its Dual-Market strategy by simultaneously targeting mass-market and premium vehicles under the Glocal concept, combining global innovation with Thai consumer needs, following the principle of In Thailand, For Thailand.

Mr. Chatwitai added that in the mass market, MG will push the New MG S5 EV Plus, New MG Urban, and MG4 Electric as core models to expand its electric vehicle customer base, while the MG3 Hybrid+ will target consumers seeking hybrid vehicles. The company believes internal combustion engines, hybrids, and new energy vehicles will coexist for some time, especially in areas where charging infrastructure is not yet comprehensive.

In the premium market, MG IM6 and MG IM5 will lead, supported by the electric MPVs MG Maxus 7 and MG Maxus 9 for families. The company plans to launch Limited Edition models soon to stimulate the market and intends to introduce additional new products by year-end.

Regarding premium segment performance in the first half, MG IM6 sold 1,013 units, followed by MG Maxus 7 with 400, MG IM5 with 289, MG Maxus 9 with 137, and MG Cyberster with 39 units.


“Approximately 75% of MG IM5 customers are male, mostly high-income individuals who value technology. Therefore, the company plans to shift its communication approach from focusing solely on vehicle features to building social value, exclusive experiences, and a sense of belonging to a premium community.”

One major initiative is creating the MG IM Society for IM and Maxus customers, featuring activities across four areas: food, art, lifestyle, and health care. The company will collaborate with lifestyle partners to offer special privileges and unique experiences to customers.

This strategy aims to elevate MG's image from a mass-market brand to one increasingly recognized in the premium automotive sector. The company plans to standardize all 126 dealer showrooms within 2-3 years and establish dedicated service areas and care channels for IM and Maxus customers.

For after-sales service, MG will implement the E-Workshop system to improve inspection and maintenance efficiency and accuracy, while upgrading staff standards under the “MG Smile” concept to ensure a positive customer experience at every touchpoint.

The company emphasizes the importance of servicing electric vehicles at authorized centers, especially for high-voltage battery and software-related work, since general repair shops may lack access to battery management system (BMS) updates, which directly affect vehicle performance and safety.

MG will also clearly communicate its EV Lifetime Warranty policy on electric vehicle batteries to build confidence amid concerns about battery lifespan, replacement costs, and rapidly evolving EV technology.

Regarding production in Thailand, the MG3, MG4, MG ZS EV (MG Urban), and MG HS are locally assembled, while the MG IM5, MG IM6, MG Maxus 7, MG Maxus 9, and MG Cyberster are fully imported vehicles.


Currently, locally produced vehicles contain over 40% domestic parts, and MG plans to increase this proportion in the future, despite challenges in manufacturing advanced technology components such as battery cells within Thailand's automotive industry.

MG assesses that Thailand's new energy vehicle market still has room to grow and may account for 55-60% of the total market next year, with battery electric vehicles continuing to show high growth rates.

MG's long-term goal is to become one of Thailand's top three leading automotive brands within its second decade of operation, focusing not only on sales volume but also on developing production bases, EV personnel, service networks, and an automotive ecosystem that supports sustainable growth.