[CarJunki]

Most of the Chinese goods in India are transaction oriented, meaning you buy, pay money and from there you are pretty much on your own.

With automobile, there is continuous interaction for service, repair, support, re-sale, insurance claims to name a few.

The behavior and support post sales will determine success of any automobile company in India, Chinese or not.

[John]

The interior of the MG3 looks pretty impressive.

[dZired]

SAIC inks deal with GM to acquire Halol plant

SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) has signed a deal with General Motors for buying its production facility in Halol, Gujarat. This information was revealed through a company filing at the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Source: Hindustan Times

Link to Team-BHP News

[devarshi84]

GM in INdian turned upside down. Now their cars will be called 'MG' instead of 'GM'.

With Peugeot and SAIC coming to India, competition will only be more fierce. It is extremely clear that GM is controlled by the US govt. and their only primary focus is on the North American Market. The sale of OPEL/ Vauxhall is proof of this.

I will not be surprised if GM exits Indian market altogather within this year.

[simplyself]

Deep pockets or not, the Chinese automobile makers need to build trust.

Other foreign brands like Nissan, Peugeot, Toyota, Isuzu and the like are already known in India as some sort of collaborators in Indian markets ( DCM Toyota, Eicher Mitsubishi, Allwyn Nissan, Swaraj Mazda etc).

Hyundai and Daewoo are the unknown companies. As the latter folded up despite the chaebol's size and the corresponding financial meltdown, Hyundai survived and thrived, and not just by the depth of their pockets.

Indian prospective customer needs to be convinced that the Chinese auto makers have enough commitment, financial might and competitive designs and up to the mark quality to repose faith in them. How the Chinese companies build up their Indian arms will be vital for them.

[shortbread]

Originally Posted by VinodDevil81

I feel that it is a wee bit early to jump into conclusions like that.
How can anyone say it won't sell even before a product has been showcased or launched?
Just because it is Chinese, you say that it won't have quality and won't sell here?

It's highly likely that when you see an MG up close and realize the value proposition on offer, your opinion might be the same.

MG invested a lot in the UK including a local assembly facility, grand launch of models etc..etc....

They are not bad cars but they are not good cars either. They do not stand out in any department, style, technology, quality, power, handling....none whatsoever. They are really not that cheap either, especially if your buying in installments. I cannot comment on quality or reliability and I dont know anyone whose bought one.

Also, even the Chinese don't like Chinese cars....

Check this video out, very very informative

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1At2H-lIJog

[RSR]

MG Motor India has apparently started functioning out of a temporary office that has been set up in a 5* hotel.



They may even look to sell and support MG products through Chevrolet's existing network!

MG Motor's India team is working out of a leased space in the five-star Crowne Plaza in Gurugram.

...

Although not confirmed, the company could look at expanding its reach by tapping into GM's dealership network in India.

- Image source & more: Autocar Professional

I welcome SAIC taking over GM's Halol plant and introducing MG products in India!

Not only would it prevent a functioning automobile factory from decaying, it would also provide GM the money they desperately require to consolidate manufacturing operations at their Talegaon plant.

If MG decide to use Chevrolet's dealer network, then that would also provide a much-needed lifeline for such struggling dealerships - they can sell and support both GM & MG cars.

I believe MG will depend on GM for another crucial element - diesel engines! I don't know if MG have diesel engines of their own which are suitable for their India-bound products. But they can surely use GM's diesels (including the ubiquitous 1.25 litre Multijet).

Finally, MG entering India may provide some relief to customers in the form of at least a few sanely-priced products. There's no doubt that most recent launch new launches have turned out to be pricier than expected, while prices of existing products keep creeping up silently.

MG's introduction in India may set the cat among the pigeons and force existing manufacturers to reconsider their current pricing strategy. Competition is always welcome!

[volkman10]

General Motors workers from Halol plant hold protest .

The GMEU also said that General Motors’ Halol plant is going to be taken over by a Chinese firm which is planning to manufacture cars from here.

We have learnt about that the firm has purchased General Motors’ Halo plant. If the firm is going to make cars from this plant then why are the skilled workers here being sacked? The new firm can continue with present workers who have experience in manufacturing all kinds of cars

Link

[dZired]

SAIC says it has NOT signed agreement with GM for Halol Plant

SAIC Motor Corporation has released an official statement to convey that is has not signed any formal agreement with General Motors regarding the sale and use of the Halol manufacturing plant in Gujarat. This clarification comes after various earlier reports had mentioned that SAIC has signed a deal with GM to buy the latter's production facility in Halol, Gujarat.

The official statement released by SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) further mentions that the company has signed a term sheet to evaluate GM's Halol plant, which has been conveyed in a filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange. SAIC is a listed company at the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The Chinese automaker is indeed in talks with General Motors India to buy its Halol plant. However, it will proceed with the sales deal only once GM has submitted all government approvals and has settled labour & other issues concerning the production facility.

The company has also further clarified that its plans to enter the Indian market are still in place. SAIC is currently looking at various options to set up a manufacturing plant in the country at the earliest.

Link to Team-BHP News

[n.devdath]

***Official Statement from the Chief India Rep of SAIC***

Dear Sir/Mam,

Please find below a media statement from SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC), for your kind perusal:

Media statement by SAIC Motor Corporation Limited:

"SAIC Motor Corporation has seen some reports in the media about SAIC signing an agreement with GM to take over its Halol Car Manufacturing Plant. It is clarified that SAIC has not signed any formal agreement with GM for the Halol Plant. Few months back, SAIC signed a term sheet to evaluate the Halol Plant which has been conveyed in a filing to Shanghai Stock Exchange, SAIC being a listed company there. SAIC's Halol Plant deal is subject to GM’s submission of all government approvals, settlement of labour and all other pending issues by GM. However, S‎AIC's decision to enter into the Indian market remains unchanged and the company continues to evaluate various options to set up a car manufacturing plant in India as early as possible."

----xxxx----

[RavenAvi]

China's SAIC Motor has confirmed it's entry into the Indian market, according to an ACI exclusive via a company source.

First vehicle for the Indian market will roll out by 2019 under the company's MG brand. It will, in all probability, be an SUV.

SAIC will begin its India innings with the MG brand, the iconic British marque that was acquired by the carmaker over a decade ago. In fact, SAIC's Indian subsidiary is registered as MG Motor India and is headed by former GM India CEO Rajeev Chaba.
The plan is to sell all SAIC products in India with an MG badge. The first model is expected to roll out in 2019.
Among the multiple brands in SAIC's portfolio, MG Motor India has a wide range of models and body styles to choose from which include hatchbacks, sedans, MPVs, SUVs, hybrids and even electric cars. However, SAIC is likely to initially focus on SUVs, given their current popularity in the country.
Once the plant's location is finalised, SAIC is likely to invest upwards of Rs 3,000 crore in the first phase to establish a strong footing with highly localised and cost-competitive products.

[GTO]

Heard that SAIC wants to make offers to Chevrolet dealers. The problem is, SAIC's cars are still a while away from launch - what will the dealers do till then?

Am guessing they might have to compensate financially.

[V.Narayan]

News for Indian auto industry. Good for job creation. The Chinese have the ability and willingness to take risks and price sharp. Good for the customer.

All the Western media (and experts') talk of poor Chinese quality reminds me of the time in the 1950s and 60s when Toyota and other Japanese car makers were identified as cheap and cheerful. Look where they are now. I would expect the Chinese to figure out in the next 10 years how to deliver fully satisfactory quality for a price that delights.

Only piece I can't understand is if the 'MG' brand has any value left outside a select circle of car enthusiasts.

[PetrolRider]

Originally Posted by V.Narayan

Only piece I can't understand is if the 'MG' brand has any value left outside a select circle of car enthusiasts.

I believe no and the reason for them to bank on the brand. They understand a common joe would consider a Chinese car as an inferior product. But if they can remove the Chinese link from their car and push it as a British marvel, it would be considered as a premium European car by us. Similar to GM trying to push Korean cars as American muscle cars .

Only enthusiasts would know it as SIAC, rest would know it a British legend.

[dZired]

SAIC to acquire GM's Halol plant, signs MoU with Gujarat government

Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation (SAIC) had recently confirmed its plans to enter the Indian automotive market through its fully-owned subsidiary - MG Motors India. Now, the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gujarat state government for its manufacturing project. It will be taking over General Motors' recently shut down plant in Halol. Gujarat government has assured the manufacturer to facilitate registration and required approvals for the said project.

The MoU also reveals that SAIC will be employing around 1,000 workers in its Gujarat plant, when operations begin in 2019. The company is planning to invest a total amount of 2,000 crore in its Indian operations. Additionally, five Chinese automotive suppliers are planning to invest an additional amount of Rs. 1,000 crore to set up their units around the Halol plant.

SAIC is aiming to produce 50,000 - 70,000 units at its Halol facility, starting from the year 2019. Information about the products that will be launched under the MG Motors India brand will be revealed in the near future.

Link to Team-BHP News