Dubai: Morris Garages (MG), the famous British car brand, launched in the UAE yesterday the MG750 and MG550. This marks the company's first two vehicles in the local automotive market.
A further three models — the MG3, MG350 and MG6 — will launch throughout 2011 to complete MG's five car line-up in the UAE.
MG, the flagship brand of Chinese automotive group Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), is being represented in the UAE by AW Rostamani Trading.
Steady shift
Michel Ayat, CEO of AW Rostamani Automotive, said the company's strategy to partner with SAIC and the MG brand reflected a steady shift of automotive manufacturing towards emerging markets, particularly China.
"We realised the mature markets no longer support the growth of the automobile business. The main focus is China, which is the biggest market in the world," he said.
"AWR decided during the recession in 2009 that it was the right time to expand its operations. We embarked on a five-year plan to double our revenue by 2015 and after two years we are well on track," he added.
MG was founded in 1924 and became widely known for its two-seater open sports cars, along with its salons and coupes.
Core Rover technology
The MG750, with a starting price of Dh76,000, is based on the core technologies of the existing Rover 75, but features numerous technical and cosmetic updates from SAIC.
The MG550, with a starting price of Dh64,000, will be available in two grades.
Sami Nader, General Manager of AW Rostamani Trading Company, said: "In the UAE, our target market is European, especially British, expatriates. Britons know the product and the brand has a strong heritage in the UK."
SAIC is China's leading automotive group with total sales of over three million units in 2010.
