What are the reasons for the discontinuation of MG GS?
4 Answers
The reasons for the discontinuation of MG GS are as follows: 1. Brand influence: The GS was MG's first SUV model, which inherently lacked a consumer base. The brand's weak market presence resulted in low influence. 2. Outdated design: MG originally specialized in sports sedans, and SAIC intended to preserve MG's sporty DNA. Even for SUVs, MG aimed to emphasize a sporty atmosphere. However, the GS's body proportions made the vehicle's center of gravity appear particularly high, and the unusually positioned taillights looked even more peculiar, leading to poor exterior design outcomes. 3. Poor pricing strategy: The pricing was excessively high, especially for the top-tier model of the MG GS, indicating a lack of thoughtful consideration in pricing.
As a former owner of the MG GS, I believe its discontinuation was mainly due to poor market performance. When the car was first launched, it was quite decent, and its affordable price attracted me. However, sales noticeably declined after a few years. The competition was too fierce—BYD and Haval introduced new SUVs with more advanced technology, which appealed more to younger consumers who prefer smart vehicles. The GS failed to update its exterior and features in time, making it appear outdated. User feedback also highlighted issues like high fuel consumption and frequent minor problems. The manufacturer likely crunched the numbers and realized cost recovery was unfeasible—selling fewer units meant losses, so they simply halted production. The MG brand shifted its resources to the HS and electric vehicle lineups. I later switched to an MG ZS, which feels more responsive and fuel-efficient. Overall, discontinuation is just part of a business decision—it’s normal and doesn’t affect my continued support for the brand. As long as spare parts remain available, existing owners needn’t worry too much.
From a technical perspective, the discontinuation of the MG GS is attributed to lagging product iteration. The GS's engine platform and chassis design were relatively outdated, and its technological updates couldn't keep up with the China VI emission standards. Manufacturers would need to invest too much in upgrades, but the rise of electric vehicles has shifted resources toward newer models like the MG4. Having test-driven several models, I found the GS's handling decent, but the lack of intelligent assistance systems led to user complaints about insufficient safety features. The brand's strategy shifted toward SUVs and new energy vehicles, with the HS gaining more popularity after its launch. This reflects an industry trend: older fuel-powered models are being phased out to make way for new technologies. Owners often remark that it's smart for manufacturers to avoid loss-making production. Of course, the used car market remains largely unaffected, with many still available for sale.
The key reason for discontinuing production is economic factors. The sales of the MG GS have been consistently declining, with costs being too high and profit margins too thin. Amid economic fluctuations, consumers have become more cautious in car purchases, and the GS faces intense competition in its price segment. SAIC Motor has optimized its product lineup, prioritizing the development of best-selling models like the HS and reallocating factory resources accordingly. This strategic adjustment aims to enhance overall profitability and avoid inventory backlog. Keeping older models like the GS in production would limit space for new models. Feedback from owners about maintenance difficulties also contributed to the decision.