SAIC’s MG brand has officially become the first Chinese automaker to exceed one million cumulative sales in Europe and the United Kingdom, a landmark achievement that underscores its rapid growth and market acceptance. In 2025 alone, MG sold over 300,000 vehicles in the region, marking a nearly 30% increase from the previous year and securing its position as the top Chinese car brand in Europe for the 11th consecutive year. This performance placed MG 16th in the overall market rankings, making it the only Chinese brand to break into the top 20.
The Strategy Behind the Success
MG’s remarkable growth is built on a strategy that combines its historic British branding with modern Chinese manufacturing and technology. Acquired by SAIC in 2007 after an initial purchase by Nanjing Automotive Corporation in 2005, the brand has been successfully repositioned to appeal to European consumers. A key driver of this success has been the focus on affordable and well-equipped electric and hybrid vehicles. This approach has resonated with buyers, particularly as the market shifts towards electrification amid rising living costs.
The sales figures for 2025 highlight the strength of this strategy. The brand’s Hybrid+ range saw an explosive 300% year-over-year sales increase, with 137,000 units sold. In addition, 46,000 fully electric vehicles were sold. The brand’s most popular model overall remains the MG ZS SUV, which has sold 424,000 units across the continent since its launch. The UK remains MG’s single largest market, accounting for 386,000 of the total one million sales.
Outpacing the Competition
MG’s performance is particularly notable when compared to the broader market and its rivals. In the first half of 2025, MG’s sales grew by 18.6% while the overall European market saw a decline of 0.9%. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), MG sold 153,000 cars in the first six months of 2025, surpassing Tesla’s sales volume for the half-year period for the first time.
While other Chinese brands like BYD and Chery are also expanding aggressively in Europe, none have yet matched MG’s scale or widespread presence. MG now operates in 34 European markets with a network of over 1,300 dealerships.
A Look to the Future
Despite its current success, MG faces potential headwinds. The European Commission has launched an anti-subsidy investigation into battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from China, which has resulted in the imposition of countervailing duties. SAIC faces a duty of 35.3%, which could impact the brand’s competitive pricing advantage that has been crucial to its growth. The investigation highlights growing trade tensions as Chinese automakers gain market share in Europe.
However, MG is not standing still. The company plans to launch several new models in early 2026 to maintain its momentum and expand customer choice. According to Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK, the brand’s success demonstrates that its product range, which offers a compelling mix of design, technology, and value, strongly resonates with customers.
