SAIC, one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers, has recently made a significant move by signing a cooperation agreement with Egypt’s Mansour Group. The agreement involves an investment of 135 million USD to establish a new automobile manufacturing plant for the renowned MG brand in Egypt. This plant will focus on producing the new generation of MG5 models initially, followed by the introduction of SUVs and new energy vehicles in the future.
The agreement outlines that Mansour Mobility & Manufacturing (MMM), a subsidiary of Mansour Group, has secured a land lease contract with Egypt’s Public Authority of Land and Dry Ports to develop a state-of-the-art automobile manufacturing plant in the newly constructed 6th of October Industrial Park. In its first phase, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, which will later be doubled to 100,000 vehicles in the second phase, aiming to achieve a localization rate exceeding 45%. While the detailed timeline for these phases has not been disclosed yet, the plant’s infrastructure will include an 8,000 m2 body shop, a 12,000 m2 paint shop, a 10,000 m2 assembly shop, along with supporting facilities buildings, administrative office buildings, and a 5,000 m2 closed warehouse.
The new generation MG5 sedan, which was launched in September 2024, comes in three different trims with prices ranging from 81,900 to 95,900 yuan (approximately 11,200 to 13,100 USD) in China. This latest iteration of the MG5 has undergone enhancements in terms of its exterior design, interior features, and configurations. With dimensions measuring 4715/1842/1473 (1480) mm and a wheelbase of 2680 mm, the new MG5 offers two engine options – a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivering 95 kW (127 hp) and 158 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT gearbox, and a 1.5T engine generating 133 kW (178 hp) and 285 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DCT. The top speeds for these engine variants are 180 km/h and 200 km/h, with WLTC comprehensive fuel consumption figures of 6.38 L and 6.45 L per 100 km, respectively. Additionally, the standard fuel tank capacity is 50 L.
Inside the new MG5, the interior is designed with a “light sports” theme, showcasing a D-shaped multi-function steering wheel, a 12.3-inch instrument panel, and a 12.3-inch floating central control screen powered by the Zebra Venus intelligent car system.
This collaboration between SAIC and Mansour Group signifies a strategic step towards expanding the presence of the MG brand in Egypt’s automotive market. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
Sources: SIS, MG
