China’s MG Motor to Launch Three Models in India

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.’s MG Motor brand plans to invest 50 billion rupees ($767 million) in India over the next six years that will spawn three new models in the country by 2021.

SAIC confirms that the first vehicle, a small SUV, is scheduled to go on sale next spring. Undisclosed additional cars will be added at a rate of one per year in 2020 and 2021.

All three models will be produced at SAIC’s Halol plant in Gujarat. The Chinese carmaker acquired the facility from General Motors Co. last September and said a month later it intended to use the factory to make MG-branded vehicles.

The Halol factory has annual capacity to make 80,000 vehicles. The complex will receive a new stamping shop, updated assembly line and other improvements. MG also aims to open 300 dealerships or service centers throughout India to support the plant’s output.

SAIC, which acquired the iconic MG British brand in 2007, currently makes the MG3 supermini and MG GS crossover for the Chinese and European markets at plants in China and the U.K.