MG’s expanding reach

By Charles E. Buban Philippine Daily Inquirer June 26,2019

Officials of The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) and SAIC Motor with MG dealer principals during the brand launch last October 2018.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) has begun its aggressive plans to establish the MG brand in the Philippines, beginning with expanding its dealership network throughout the country. They ensure that each dealership effectively connects with customers while providing excellent aftersales service.

“We want MG Philippines to be known for its reliable aftersales services, and we are pulling all the stops for this. Our MGs come with a 1-year free periodic maintenance service (PMS) package, a 5-year or 100,000km vehicle warranty, a Mobile Garage service caravan which allows clients to have technical concerns addressed at the convenience of their homes—provided that clients have already set a schedule for it, and can shoulder additional travel and parts transportation costs—and MG HERO Services, which provide 24/7 roadside support through the MG Philippines hotline,” says Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, President and CEO of TCCCI, which officially began distributing MG in the Philippines last October.
“We have also launched the ‘My MG’ app, which houses a tool that allows you to schedule vehicle servicing appointments at your choice of MG Philippines-authorized service center, and a dealership location tool that uses your smartphone’s built-in GPS to locate the dealership or service center nearest to you. The app also allows users to inquire about parts and service availability.”

MG is a British-born automotive brand that has been revived globally by the world’s 7th largest car manufacturer, SAIC Motor of China. With a rich heritage filled with iconic models, awards, and achievements dating back to 1924, MG was best known for its stylish, two-seat open-top sports cars. MG vehicles were also sought after by many celebrities, including members of the British Royal Family, for their styling, elegance, and spirited performance.

10 and still counting

Atty. Arcilla shares that MG Philippines has already set up 10 dealerships with showrooms nationwide, while another five are nearing completion to becoming fully operational very soon. The rapid growth of MG Philippines is a testament to TCCCI’s commitment to mirror the same growth MG enjoys in other territories. “After a comprehensive evaluation of the product line-up, price position, and more importantly, the quality standards of the vehicles and parts support, we signed on and were appointed as the distributor of MG in the Philippines. Further, as we interfaced with our principals, we saw the growth and presence of the MG brand in our neighboring markets, and the success of MG in every market where it was introduced,” says Atty. Arcilla.

Global Products

Atty. Arcilla relates that MG’s storied history is a strong touchpoint that allows Filipinos who are unfamiliar with the brand, to understand MG’s rich heritage. Aside from being one of the world’s oldest auto brands (the first MG rolled off the factory floor in 1924), MG has been recognized in numerous motorsports, and once even set land speed records. Earlier MG passenger cars and MGs of today share similar characteristics: they are good looking, fun to drive, and are for everyone. Today, MG is currently experiencing a renaissance as it aggressively enters new markets with an array of distinctive and well-appointed models. TCCCI’s representation of the MG brand in the Philippines marks an exciting chapter in what is already a very colorful brand story for MG.

“MG is the embodiment of a truly global brand. It is sold in many different countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, most countries of South America, Australia, and New Zealand to name a few. The brand has a network of over 300 dealerships worldwide. Today, the MG marque enjoys the financial and technical backing of SAIC Motor, a top-ranked Fortune 500 company which also happens to be the largest auto manufacturer and exporter in China’s A-share market. Aside from China, MG also has manufacturing plants in Thailand and India, with new plants slated to open in other territories very soon. Nevertheless, MG still taps into its British roots, most notably by utilizing a newly inaugurated Advanced London Design Studio in Central London, while also still using the company’s industrial complex in Longbridge, Birmingham, England for research and development,” says Atty. Arcilla.

MG HERO Services provides 24/7 roadside support through the MG Philippines hotline

Currently, the MGs available in the Philippines are manufactured by SAIC Motor in Shanghai, China.

Attractive Vehicle Line-up

At the moment, MG Philippines’ current line-up includes the RX5 compact SUV, the MG 6 fastback sedan, and MG Philippines’ hero car—the ZS Crossover SUV. “The ZS is the choice of discerning drivers who feel they want to cross over and above, to a better driving experience, without necessarily having to spend a high sticker price. The ZS offers the comfort and driving dynamics of a sedan, while also having the versatility of an SUV, all while maintaining the stylish design cues modern MGs are known for,” says Atty. Arcilla.

For those interested in comparing price points, here are the price details of MG Philippines current models:

For MG RX5:

  • MT Core at P1,058,888 srp
  • AT Style at P1,228,888 srp

For MG 6:

  • AT Alpha at P1,068,888 srp
  • AT Trophy at P1,188,888 srp

MG ZS:

  • MT Style at P818,888 srp
  • AT Style at P868,888 srp
  • AT Alpha at P998,888 srp

Atty. Arcilla says he is proud to have MG added to the outstanding automotive brands that TCCCI now carries. “TCCCI is optimistic that Filipinos will positively respond to MG’s new global products. We are honored to be the official distributor of MG in the Philippines, and are very excited to provide the market with new options, with an attractive model line-up and favorable offers, while acknowledging the market’s discerning preferences.”

Call the 24/7 MG Hotline (02)328-4664. Visit MG Philippines’ website: mgmotor.com.ph, like them on Facebook: OfficialMGPhilippines, and follow them on Instagram @mg_philippines.

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