MG hopeful for a ute in Australia, but it could make things 'awkward' with LDV
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With big plans for expansion in Australia, MG is keen to enter the hugely popular four-wheel-drive ute segment in the future, but it might ruffle some feathers in the process.
MG is keen to bring a four-wheel-drive ute into the Australian market, provided that one is made available to them from the parent company SAIC Motor.
Speaking to Australian motoring media at the recent launch of the MG HS, Chief Commercial Officer at MG Motor Australia Giles Belcher described utes as a “fantastic segment for OEMs and customers”.
“If the right product comes along, we would certainly look at it,” said Belcher.
"We don't have anything to announce yet, there's nothing on the table, but there is nothing off the table."
Mr Belcher did concede that some “awkwardness” is possible between MG and LDV in Australia – both of which come under SAIC Motor in China but are separate and competitive businesses here in Australia.
If MG – a factory-owned operation in Australia – does eventually bring a four-wheel-drive ute to Australia, it would likely be based upon the same platform, development and powertrains as what is available for LDV.
LDV is imported and distributed locally by Ateco Automotive, and the brand is due for a new-generation T60 four-wheel-drive ute in the near future.
We recently got a glimpse of what we might be able to expect in a new-generation ute via the reveal of the Maxus eTerron in Europe.
LDV also offers the eT60 electric ute and D90 ute-based wagon in its current line-up, along with the Mifa people mover and a range of vans and a cab-chassis truck.
When asked whether things could be ‘awkward’ between MG and LDV in Australia with the introduction of an MG ute, Mr Belcher conceded the possibility.
"If we got a pick-up, potentially. But that would get sorted out really in Shanghai. Locally, we don't interact with the separate businesses," Mr Belcher explained.
"If we can get (a ute) that works in Australia, we will try and get one. And then, we will see what happens."
Currently, LDV (which used to be known as Leyland DAF Vans) is the commercial arm of Chinese automotive giant SAIC Motor. In China, commercial vehicles like utes and vans are sold under the Maxus brand.
Other brands under the SAIC Motor umbrella include MG, Roewe, IM and Rising Auto.
It’s currently unclear whether Ateco Automotive and LDV in Australia has any form of distribution rights or exclusivity for utes the Australian market.
The current-generation LDV T60 ute has previously been shown as an MG-badged ute in Thailand, but MG is yet to bring such a model to the Australian market.
Drive has reached out to LDV Australia and Ateco Automotive for comment, and will update this story when a response comes through.
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