They will come first
In Yekaterinburg, Mir-Distributor LLC announced that MG brand cars, owned by the Chinese group SAIC, will enter the Russian market. This spring, three models will be available: the ZS crossover, the HS crossover, and the MG6 liftback.
The MG distributor in Yekaterinburg plans to expand the Russian lineup to ten models within the year. After the MG6, the ZS and HS will be joined by the RX5, RX9, and HS PHEV crossovers, along with the MG7 liftback. Three additional models are expected to be announced later.
They will come first
The MG6 liftback is comparable in length to the Skoda Octavia and Toyota Corolla, though it sits shorter than the Kia Optima. The MG6 measures 4659 mm and is powered by a 168-horsepower 1.5 turbo engine paired with a seven-speed robotic transmission. It features electrically adjustable sport seats, an eight-inch multimedia screen, and 18-inch wheels. The current MG6 generation has been in production since 2016 and received a redesign in 2021.
The compact ZS crossover can be likened to the Hyundai Creta, which exited the Russian market, or the Chinese Haval Jolion built at a plant in the Tula region. A 1.5-liter gasoline engine delivering 114 hp will be offered in Russia, with front-wheel drive as standard. The base equipment includes front airbags, LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, and faux leather seats. Inside, five USB ports are distributed throughout the cabin, with rear parking sensors and a rearview camera included. The ZS will be offered in a configuration that suits Russian buyers, with a range of trims available.
The larger HS competes with the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. It will be available with two turbo engine options and both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. The front-drive version uses a 1.5-liter engine producing 148 hp with a seven-speed robot, while the all-wheel-drive version has a 2.0-liter engine delivering 200 hp and a six-speed robot. The basic trim level includes a stabilization system, front and side airbags, and a six-speaker audio system. Pricing for MG models in Russia has not yet been announced.
Why do other Chinese automakers worry about MG?
MG is a British brand founded in 1924 that came under Chinese control in the mid-2000s after the MG Rover Group factory in Longbridge closed in 2005 due to bankruptcy. It was later acquired by SAIC for $100 million. Since 2009, the legacy of Rover and MG has belonged to SAIC, the largest automaker in China, which has led sales for 18 years. In 2023 SAIC reported selling 5.02 million cars, with more than half of those (2.78 million) from its own brands such as Hongyan, Wuling, Baojun, Roewe, Maxus, and MG. SAIC also maintains joint ventures with Volkswagen and General Motors, broadening its global footprint.
Foreign production facilities are located in Thailand, India, and Indonesia, and SAIC actively pursues international markets. By the end of 2021, around 700,000 cars were sold abroad out of a total 5.46 million. MG vehicles are marketed worldwide, including Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The MG brand is present in neighboring markets as well; in 2023, 675 MG vehicles were sold in Ukraine. Mir-Distributor, registered in Yekaterinburg, intends to sell MG cars at 30 dealerships across 18 Russian cities. It is not officially linked to the Chinese automaker but is owned by Russian residents; the company’s founders include a Kazakh plant, SaryArkaAvtoprom, based in Kostanay in 2017. Critics note that MG’s entry could pose a challenge to existing Chinese brands in Russia.
MG vehicles already compete effectively with European brands in the European Union, underscoring their global competitiveness. In the United Kingdom, MG ranks second in electric vehicle sales after Tesla; in Spain, the MG ZS hatchback led its segment, outselling Renault Clio and Dacia Sandero. MG is also performing well in India and across Africa, highlighting its international appeal.
Hopes
Analysts believe MG’s market entry in Russia could succeed with the right price positioning and marketing strategy. A market observer noted that MG carries an image of a historic British brand, which resonates for many buyers worldwide. While MG’s pricing is unlikely to be the cheapest, strong branding could yield meaningful share in a crowded market. If MG first acts as an importer and later establishes contract assembly, it could compete with existing Chinese brands already present in Russia. A well-executed advertising push could help MG gain noticeable market share, though not a dominant one if prices stay above competing models such as Chery or Geely. A pricing scenario where the MG ZS targets roughly 2.2–3 million rubles, and the MG6 around 2.3–2.6 million rubles, is considered plausible by industry voices. This balance between value and perception will likely shape MG’s early success in Russia, where brand recognition already offers a helpful starting point for growth.