MG makes a stronger push into New Zealand

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

On the back of its strong success in the local market, particularly with its ZS EV, MG Motor has today announced a renewed push into the New Zealand market, coming out swinging with the introduction of ‘drive away’ pricing across its range, as well as extending its standard warranty on all new cars to an industry-leading seven years.

While Mitsubishi might have the headline-grabbing 10-year warranty, this only applies to the car’s drivetrain and is limited to 160,000km, whereas MG’s new extension is good for the entire car, and for an unlimited number of kilometres.

On top of the strong warranty, MG Motor is also throwing seven years of roadside assist and warrant of fitnesses into the deal, making easily the strongest new car warranty package in the New Zealand market.

MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao announced the impressive warranty at a recent media event.

“From December 1, all new MG models available for sale in New Zealand will feature the new seven-year initiative as standard,” said Peter Ciao, CEO of MG Motor Australia and New Zealand.

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“This provides enhanced surety for all new MG buyers, and is transferable from one owner to the next.”

The pumped-up warranty comes on the back of an increased push from MG Motor to establish itself as a volume player in New Zealand, that also includes dealer-level partnerships and engagements in local communities, as well as naming-rights sponsorship of the ANZ Premiership netball champions, the Northern Mystics.

“MG Motor has an expanding presence throughout New Zealand, and dealer-driven partnerships are the best way for us to become a part of Kiwi communities,” said Ciao.

The MG Marvel R could possibly be made available for the New Zealand market when right-hand drive production starts in 2023.

“We want to engage at a grassroots level, and we will be supporting our dealer partners as they nurture these relationships. I would like to welcome the MG Mystics to the MG family and wish them every success for the coming season.

“We are excited to stand alongside such a champion organisation as they defend their crown in 2022 and beyond.”

Along with the new warranty and sponsorship arrangement, MG Motor also announced it would be moving to a “drive away” pricing structure on the 1st of December as well. Drive away pricing basically means that the price displayed on the car is the price the customer pays – all on-road costs are included – so there are no unpleasant surprises come settlement time.

“This will give more confidence to customers,” said Ciao, before adding “It is also a more honest way to do business.”

“We want to challenge the notion that a second-hand vehicle is the only option for buyers looking for an affordable car,” said Mr Ciao. “Drive-away pricing adds a new level of transparency and makes the buying process very straightforward.”

The changes to MG Motor’s New Zealand operations were presented at a joint Australian/New Zealand event, where it was also revealed that MG would be boosting Australia’s EV charging infrastructure by giving away up to 3000 chargers to 1000 hotels and resorts around the country.

The chargers are overnight AC chargers (7kW single-phase or 11kW three-phase) with Type 2 plugs, and the company says they will be available for use by any EV, not just MGs.

When asked why the company was planning the roll-out in Australia and not New Zealand, MG Motor’s product director Danny Lenartic offered up a not-so-subtle jab at Australia’s EV reticence, saying that charging infrastructure was “a lot weaker in this country than it is in New Zealand. So, we’re starting in Australia first, but New Zealand will be considered in due course.”

“We also have more resources to do it in Australia,” added Ciao. “After it is successful in Australia, we will start it in New Zealand immediately.”

Ciao also took the opportunity to reveal that the facelifted version of the popular MG ZS EV would be landing in New Zealand and Australia in the first half of next year, while the ICE version of the MG5 wagon was also due in teh second half of the year.

The electric version of the MG5, however, wasn’t likely, while the fantastic-looking Marvel R wasn’t confirmed, but would be “available for consideration for our market” when the next generation launches in right-hand drive in 2023.

“MG Motor has worked very hard in Australia over the last two years to build its customer base from the ground up, and now it’s New Zealand’s turn to benefit.,” said Ciao.