New brit on the block: MG is back

Confetti showers the newly revealed, all-new MG products

In the multi-continental “car wars” being waged in the Philippines, covering both sides of what can be argued the most economically powerful region of the world–the north Atlantic–gives anyone that strategic trade edge. And last Oct. 11 in a posh hotel in Bonifacio Global City, Filipino-owned The Covenant Car Company Inc (TCCCI) waved not the flag of surrender, but that bearing the crosses of saints George, Andrew and Patrick.

The Union Jack was on the side of TCCCI, and a new “Allied force” was now complete in the Philippines in the new millennium, but with an interesting twist.

Some of the auto industry veterans behind TCCCI have been around even before this same group brought in Swedish marque Volvo in the Philippines in 1994. This group has also built a strong after-sales service reputation reinforced with its American Chevrolet brand, which started in 2009 (J.D. Power Asia-Pacific would soon rate it Number One in customer satisfaction for after-sales services two years in a row).

In the Oct. 11 event, TCCCI declared that in the Philippines, the iconic British automaker MG was now also under its wing. But here’s the twist: MG is now owned by China’s largest auto manufacturer and exporter Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC Motor). This virtually makes TCCCI an entity on both sides of the globe, dealing with three of the planet’s most powerful economies. This certainly validates auto historian Jonathan Mantle’s observation that the automobile industry “makes empires… shapes history.”

The Chinese connection in a British marque traditionally seen to hoist up its prices to aristocratic levels is a game changer. Now, not only does TCCCI get some serious British automobile heritage with the MG brand, it can now also offer the pricing sensibilities that only a Chinese-based manufacturing facility can offer.

MG ZS

Thus, the newly launched top spec, stylish MG crossover ZS now starts at just P998,888 a steal considering the safety tech involved: Antilock brake system, cornering brake control, electronic brake assist, electronic brake distribution, and hill start assist. Then throw in a host of service platforms (e.g. one-hour basic maintenance service procedures, 24/7 customer-care hotline) and a generous 5-year or 100,000-km warranty, it almost sounds ridiculous.

And if you think MG aftersales service will make you go on a cross-country trip to a lone service center in congested Metro Manila, think again. TCCCI plans to establish 16 independent MG dealerships across the country. Now that’s stepping up several notches in the game.

The Lee connection

Was this TCCCI-MG connection pre-destined? After reading the following short tale, you be the judge: Cecil Kimber, the founder of Morris Garages that specialized in making small, affordable, and fun sports cars, asked an MG accountant and amateur artist in 1923 to come up with the company logo. This artist, influenced by the art deco movement of the time, designed an octagonal-shaped MG badge. When Kimber saw the artist’s sketches, he declared: “That’s just the thing.” Since then, the design stuck–in the company’s ads, in its registered trademark in 1924, and eventually to the radiator grille of every MG since 1928.

The name of the accountant-slash-artist? Edmund Lee.

MG RX5

During the MG Philippines launch, I approached TCCCI chairman emeritus Richard Lee and told him this true story. Lee then exclaimed, “I have a cousin by the name of Edmond Lee.” Then he smiled. Lee must have known that all of this was meant to be.

History almost never runs in a straight line, though. Ever since MG rolled out its first models in 1924, the company changed hands numerous times. Now that SAIC Motor, a top-ranked Fortune 500 company and China’s largest auto manufacturer and exporter, is in the helm, country dealers must be confident it has both prestige and economy covered in a rapidly changing industry landscape. TCCCI, in particular, has high hopes that MG’s newly inaugurated Advance London Design Studio in Central London can hold its own in the international stage.

TCCCI president and managing director Lawyer Alberto B. Arcilla enthusiastically revealed both MG Philippines and its models as he declared, “I present the convergence of the British Distinction of the MG brand. The well-established entrepreneurship skills and visionary character of our principals at Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, that is now embraced with the warmth and passion of the Filipino heart of TCCCI.”

He went further: “The MG badge is synonymous with freedom, dynamism, innovation, individuality, and accessibility. It represents a new wave of vehicles that allow discerning drivers and passengers to enjoy a distinctive automotive experience at a very competitive price offer.”

Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, President and Managing Director of The Covenant Car Company, Inc., and Mr. Matt Lei, Matt Lei Deputy Managing Director, International Business Dept. SAIC Motor International, shake hands on stage.

He explained that “MG’s long-respected sporting heritage, combined with modern technologies in manufacturing, safety, and after sales service round up an exciting vision for the future of MG in the Philippines.”

Arcilla revealed that on MG Philippines’ first year, six new models are scheduled to be introduced to compete in the largest segments.

“This offering will provide discerning Filipinos with distinctive, innovative and attainable automobiles, complete with a full offer of aftermarket services that will truly make owning an MG vehicle a joy to drive and own.”

Arcilla also told guests: “MG owners will also expect an impeccable ownership experience that will include a 5-year warranty for all MG cars sold by TCCCI and access to innovative after-sales services such as the MG App, MG Mobile Garage, 24/7 Roadside assistance, and a 24-hour MG help line.”

Tying up loose ends

I asked Arcilla about the status of the MG vehicles bought by owners from a previous local distributor, and even of the unsold cars now languishing in the previous distributor’s showroom. Would TCCCI apply the same price points and/or aftersales service and warranties to these sold and unsold vehicles pre-TCCCI?

“TCCCI is not privy to the terms of reference (of the previous MG representatives) and how they will wind down their business operations and inventory. However, we will coordinate with our principals at MG and SAIC how we can proceed in patching with all MG vehicle owners so we can provide their aftersales service requirements,” Arcilla responded.

TCCCI is looking straight ahead. Aside from the six new MG products made available to buyers by 2019, establishing 16 independent MG dealerships is also one key part of the road map. To date, 9 dealer areas have been confirmed to set up shop in as yet undisclosed key areas: Genesis Motors Corp, Grandcars Inc, Juno Cars Inc, Profitfleet Inc, Rev-Up Automobile Corp, and The Angcore Motor Group.

First three models unveiled

Three MG vehicles took the spotlight that night. The first was the compact SUV RX5, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine mated to a 7-speed double clutch automatic transmission that produces 162 hp and 250Nm of torque. The RX5 is fitted with an enhanced Macpherson and rear multilink suspension system. It’s also installed with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring MG iLink software and Apple CarPlay with keyless entry, push start/stop, cruise control, and an electronic parking brake with autohold function.

SAIC Motor International, MG Philippines, and TCCCI heads pose for a photo after the official contract signing between TCCCI and SAIC Motor International.

Next was the MG 6, powered by a turbocharged 1.5L engine that producers 162 hp and 250Nm of torque. Front suspension sports a Macpherson, the rear a blade-type multi-link. It is equipped with antilock brake system, cornering brake control, electronic brake assist, electronic brake distribution, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring system and a traction control system.

Finally, the crossover MG ZS carries the distinctive London Eye headlights, a Stardust grille, and Plough taillights. it is powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine producing 114 hp and 150Nm of torque. It’s also equipped with reverse camera, antilock brake system, cornering brake control, electronic brake assist, electronic brake distribution, hill start assist, tire pressure monitoring system, and a traction control system. It also features 8-inch LCD infotainment system with Apple CarPlay.

The RX5 Style’s introductory price is P1,058,888 million for the manual transmission, and P1,228,888 for the automatic transmission; The MG6 fastback sedan Alpha goes for P1,068,888, and Trophy at P1,188,888 (both on A/T), while the ZS crossover SUV goes for P818,888 (MT style), P868,888 (AT Style) and P998,888 (AT Alpha).

For more information, visit www.mgmotor.com.ph.