MG Sales Data, Trends & Analysis for the European Automotive Market
China’s Nanjing Automobile bought most of the assets from the 2005 bankruptcy of MG Rover and planned to resurrect the MG brand in Europe. The first model to return in 2009 was the MG TF roadster, assembled in the original MG-Rover factory in Longbridge from CKD (Complete Knock Down) kits built in Nanjing, China. Unfortunately, since this was a model that had been introduced in 1995 as the MGF and updated and renamed in 2002, sales remained low and the production was suspended in 2011 after only 906 units were produced. By that time, Nanjing had merged with SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation), one of China’s largest automakers.
Later in 2011, assembly of the MG6 midsized sedan and hatchback/liftback started in Longbridge as well, for the UK market only. It was the first all-new model to be developed under the MG-brand since 1995. The MG6 was based on the Chinese Roewe 550, which itself is roughly based on the platform of the Rover 75. Despite the relatively low sales expectations of just 2.000 to 3.000 cars a year, the MG6 managed to peak at only 774 sales in 2012. After declining sharply in 2013, a new diesel engine and expansion of the dealer network helped the MG6 recover in 2014, but the model was withdrawn from the European market in 2017 with fewer than 3.000 sold in 6 years time.
SAIC MG started assembling the subcompact hatchback MG3 in Longbridge in 2013 and sales in the UK started in September of that year. This car immediately became the new MG’s best seller thanks to its good value, “European” design and sporty handling, true to its MG genes. The MG3 took the brand to the next level in the UK, as MG sales soared to over 2.300 units in the UK, three times its previous record under Chinese ownership in 2012. It continued to progress in the following years, breaking past the 3.000 sales mark for the first time in 2015 and topping 4.000 sales in 2016 and 2017.
A compact hatchback called the MG5, which has been on sale in China since 2012, had been planned for the UK market as well, but the brand has decided to give priority to the MG GS crossover in 2016. This third car in the line-up should also open the door to exports to other European markets in 2018 or 2019, with Portugal and Cyprus as the most likely markets. The brand also launched the MG ZS small crossover in Europe early 2018.
MG’s sales in Europe have been increasing in recent years, the trend is solid and it is one of the fastest growing brands in the region. MG’s market share in Europe is still relatively small, but it is growing steadily.
There are a few reasons for MG’s increasing sales in Europe. First, the company has been investing in new models and technologies. In recent years, MG has launched a number of new models, including the ZS EV, the HS plug-in hybrid, and the MG5 EV. These models have been well-received by European customers. Second, MG has been expanding its dealer network in Europe. The company now has over 300 dealerships in Europe, which makes it easier for customers to buy and service MG vehicles. Third, MG has been offering competitive pricing. MG vehicles are typically priced lower than other brands in the same segment. This has made MG vehicles more attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
MG Annual Sales Data and Market Share in Europe
Below we have a table that shows total MG sales volumes for the European automotive market, broken out by year. This data captures all MG vehicle sales for the entire European automotive market.
| Year | Sales | YOY Change | Marketshare | Marketshare Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 9,041 | 0.00 | 0.08 | 0.00 |
| 2001 | 15,702 | 73.68 | 0.13 | 38.91 |
| 2002 | 30,859 | 96.53 | 0.25 | 48.75 |
| 2003 | 35,345 | 14.54 | 0.28 | 12.31 |
| 2004 | 30,541 | -13.59 | 0.22 | -28.47 |
| 2005 | 13,951 | -54.32 | 0.10 | -118.81 |
| 2006 | 1,987 | -85.76 | 0.01 | -594.40 |
| 2007 | 0 | -100.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 2008 | 149 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 100.00 |
| 2009 | 374 | 151.01 | 0.00 | 59.29 |
| 2010 | 285 | -23.80 | 0.00 | -26.08 |
| 2011 | 362 | 27.02 | 0.00 | 21.68 |
| 2012 | 787 | 117.40 | 0.01 | 58.55 |
| 2013 | 513 | -34.82 | 0.00 | -53.36 |
| 2014 | 2,326 | 353.41 | 0.02 | 76.55 |
| 2015 | 3,151 | 35.47 | 0.02 | 21.02 |
| 2016 | 4,192 | 33.04 | 0.03 | 19.27 |
| 2017 | 4,441 | 5.94 | 0.03 | 1.09 |
| 2018 | 9,049 | 103.76 | 0.06 | 51.55 |
| 2019 | 14,058 | 55.35 | 0.10 | 33.73 |
| 2020 | 25,116 | 78.66 | 0.22 | 57.43 |
| 2021 | 37,168 | 47.99 | 0.34 | 33.27 |
| 2022 | 96,527 | 159.70 | 0.94 | 64.27 |
MG Europe Annual Sales Units & Market Share Chart
Below is a visual representation of MG sales units and the market share in the European market. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
MG Europe Growth Rate & Market Share Chart
Below is the annual growth rate for the MG brand in Europe, shown against the MG’s marketshare changes in Europe. This gives you a good look into how MG has faired against the other brands in terms of absolute sales and effect on marketshare. Click on the items in the legend to see each series by itself.
The Best-Selling MG Cars & SUVs in Europe
Coming Soon
