Is MG a Domestic or Joint Venture Brand?

[DelCali]

MG is a domestic brand, owned by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC Motor). SAIC Motor is a Shanghai-based automotive company that includes passenger vehicle companies, commercial vehicle companies, Shanghai Volkswagen, Shanghai General Motors, SAIC-GM-Wuling, Nanjing Iveco, and SAIC-Iveco Hongyan. MG (Morris Garages) was founded in 1924 as a British automotive brand, renowned for producing the famous MG series of convertible sports cars. MG sports cars have always been celebrated for their unique design, fine craftsmanship, and excellent performance. On July 22, 2005, Nanjing Automobile Group Co., Ltd. successfully acquired British MG Rover Group and its engine production division, forming Nanjing MG Automobile Co., Ltd. after the merger. In April 2007, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) fully acquired Nanjing Automobile Group, thereby becoming the new owner of the MG brand. MG's sub-brands include: MG 3 Series. The MG 3 Series is one of MG's sub-brands, derived from the MG ZERO concept car, meticulously designed by a global team led by MG Design Director Anthony Williams of SAIC Motor. The new MG 3's predecessor is the MG ZERO concept car; MG ZS. The MG ZS is MG's first internet-connected SUV model, officially launched on March 4, 2017. The vehicle is built on SAIC's SSA+SUV architecture platform and is powered by SAIC's 'Blue Core' high-efficiency engine.

[AdalynnDella]

I've done some research on the MG brand, and its story is quite interesting. It used to be called MG, a classic British car brand, with models like the MGB sports car from the 1950s. However, after 2005, China's SAIC Group acquired it entirely, turning it into a domestic car brand. Now, MG cars are manufactured in Chinese factories, such as those in Nanjing and Shanghai, producing SUVs and electric vehicles. It's SAIC's own brand and no longer belongs to the British side. So, it's not a joint venture but entirely a domestic independent brand. Models like the MG5 and MG HS are very popular in the market, affordable, and maintenance is handled by local 4S stores.

[DelBrooklyn]

When I went to buy a car, I specifically asked the salesperson about MG's background. They said the brand is now domestically owned, belonging to SAIC Group, just like Roewe under the same company. MG cars are all locally produced in China, not through joint ventures with foreign brands. I test drove the MG ZS, and the interior craftsmanship was good with high cost performance. The salesperson particularly emphasized its domestic identity to support national products. Compared to joint venture cars like Volkswagen or Nissan, MG offers more affordable prices, and maintenance is conveniently handled locally. Overall, it feels quite suitable for young people's lifestyles.

[JoannaDella]

From a car perspective, MG, although a brand of British origin, has been fully localized after its acquisition by SAIC. All technological R&D, parts production, and assembly are conducted in China. For instance, both the electric motors and body frames are domestically produced, unlike joint venture brands that involve profit-sharing between Chinese and foreign entities. Therefore, it is undoubtedly a domestic car. I've followed its electric series, such as the EHS model, which demonstrates excellent energy efficiency, entirely a product of Chinese enterprise.

[DelAnastasia]

As an ordinary car owner, I've been driving a MG SUV for several years. The mechanic told me it's a domestic brand. It's owned by SAIC Group, with all its factories operating within China, not following the joint venture model with foreign automakers. Some people used to think it was a British brand, but it has become localized since the acquisition. I always get my car serviced at nearby shops, where parts replacement is cheap and convenient. It drives quite steadily too - the quality of domestic cars is much better than imagined.

[LeJayden]

When choosing a car for our family, we opted for MG because it's now considered a domestic brand. My husband researched and found out that SAIC Group acquired the British MG and transformed it into an independent production system. All new models like the MG ONE are manufactured in China and exported. Unlike joint ventures such as SAIC Volkswagen, which involve profit-sharing partnerships, MG is purely a Chinese asset. We feel very confident driving it on trips—it's spacious, fuel-efficient, and easy to maintain locally. Supporting domestic industrial development is always the right choice.