MG Plans to Launch a Mid-Size Pickup in Australia, Taking on Market Leaders
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According to *Carscoops*, MG is planning to introduce a mid-size pickup truck in Australia, taking on established competitors such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton. MG has set its sights on becoming one of the top five best-selling car brands in Australia by the end of 2027, with a further goal of reaching the top three by the end of 2030.
Peter Ciao, CEO of MG Motor Australia, acknowledged that the brand would not have a chance to break into the top three without a presence in the pickup segment, which dominates the Australian market.
Currently, MG offers the MG Extender, a mid-size pickup that was first introduced in 2019 and is currently available in select markets, including Thailand, Laos, and Pakistan.
While there were rumors of the MG Extender coming to Australia, sources from *CarExpert* suggest that the SAIC-owned brand has ruled out this possibility. Instead, MG is waiting for a product that better suits the Australian market, implying that the current Extender or the Maxus T60, as it is known in some markets, does not meet the standards for the Australian market.
It is likely that MG will utilize another vehicle from its parent company, SAIC Motor, as the basis for their new pickup. A potential candidate is the recently launched Maxus Terron 9, which is expected to go on sale next year with two engine options: turbodiesel and pure electric.
*Carscoops* believes that the MG pickup will feature more brand-specific characteristics rather than just being a rebadged SAIC vehicle.
In terms of powertrain, *CarsGuide* reports that the MG pickup will be offered with a range of options, including conventional internal combustion engines, hybrid, and pure electric. The CEO of MG Motor Australia has stated that they can leverage all the technological solutions from their parent company, SAIC.
The new MG pickup will compete against established names such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok, Kia Tasman, and the GWM Cannon Ute.
Recently, the BYD Shark 6 was also introduced in Australia, providing a rare hybrid option in the pickup segment for the Australian market.
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