Chon Buri, December 8, 2017 – SAIC Motor-CP Co. Ltd. and MG Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd. recently staged the opening ceremony of the new MG production plant, located on a 437-rai plot of land at the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate2.
The new assembly facility is result of a THB 10-billion investment and has a maximum production capacity of 100,000 vehicles per year. It features the latest automations and intelligent robotics, along with the highest levels of production and quality control technologies.
The eco-friendly plant is located within the EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor) which benefits from is position as the region’s logistics center. This makes it a global production hub for right-hand-drive MG vehicles for the Thai and ASEAN markets, as well as other markets around the world.
MG’s intentions are to grow firmly and sustainably in Thailand, and wants to contribute to supporting the Thai automobile industry and economy in the age of Thailand 4.0.
Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak chaired the opening ceremony at the new SAIC Motor-CP Co. Ltd. factory, while also present were the People’s Democratic Republic of China’s Minister Counselor to Thailand H.E. Wu Zhiwu, Charoen Phokphand Group Senior Chairman Mr. Dhanin Chearavanont, with the government and private sector representatives, as well as top executives from the Charoen Phokphand Group, SAIC Motor-CP Co. Ltd., MG employees and members of the media.
Mr. Shi Guoyong President of SAIC Motor-CP Co. Ltd., said, “Since SAIC Motor-CP and the MG brand built our first assembly plant in Thailand in 2013, we maintained high standards throughout the production process in creating the MG production center in the country, and introduce high-quality vehicles into the Thai market for the Thai people. During the past several years, SAIC Motor-CP have introduced many quality vehicles into the market such as the MG3, MG5, MG6 and MG GS. Meanwhile, MG Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd. have also built the MG Driving Experience Center, launched after-sales service and used car brand in Thailand. Although we started off with many difficulties, today we walk solidly and we are extremely satisfied to see more and more Thai consumers put their trust in MG vehicles and purchasing our products.”
Mr. Shi Guoyong added that due to SAIC Motor’s overseas business strategy and the company’s determination to expand sales in Thailand, as well as strengthening the SAIC Motor-CP joint venture, the company decided to start construction of a new production plant in Thailand on October 13, 2016. Fourteen months later the construction was completed – the opening of the new plant and commencement of the production line will serve as a new beginning for the growth of the MG brand in Thailand. It will also help SAIC Motor-CP enjoy stronger growth than before.
“On November 14 we successfully launched the MG ZS that features the ‘i-SMART’ internet connectivity system and is the first vehicle in the world that has Thai-language voice control. During the first month there has been positive response and that makes us even more confident in the future of SAIC Motor-CP,” he said. “After the ZS, all new MG vehicles will be built at the new plant under SAIC Motor’s four main principles. They include internet car, alternative energy car, car sharing and autonomous car. We will use the most advanced product design and internet communications technologies for MG products, and offer the best motoring experience for Thai consumers with outstanding products and services. We want to make SAIC Motor-CP a world-class production hub for right-hand-drive MG vehicles in Thailand and ASEAN.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Thanakorn Seriburi, Vice Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group and Chairman of Board of Directors SAIC Motor- CP Co.,Ltd., added, “Since SAIC Motor-CP was founded in 2013, the project received tremendous support from high-ranking SAIC Motor Corporation management team and from the Thai government. I have known the MG brand for a very long time and I know it is a high-quality product. When I found out that SAIC Motor Corporation had purchased the MG brand and wants to set up a right-hand-drive vehicle production center overseas, I contacted them to set up a joint venture in Thailand, which is the best location for auto production in the ASEAN region. I am also confident that the products rolling out from this project will help push the Thai economy forward and give Thai consumers the opportunity to choose more high-quality products.”
“Our success roots from the strong cooperation and trust between partners SAIC Motor Corporation and the Charoen Phokphand Group. It is also result of the determination of the management and employees. On behalf of this joint venture company, I am delighted to see construction of the new assembly plant complete right on schedule and become the foundation for the long-term growth of the MG brand in Thailand,” Mr. Thanakorn concluded.
Mr. Chen Hong Chairman of SAIC Motor Corporation
At the ceremony, the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for technology development and innovations in transportation between the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and SAIC Motor-CP Co. Ltd. also took place. NSTDA Director Dr. Narong Sirilertvorakul and Mr. Zhang Haibo Vice President of SAIC MOTOR-CP and President of MG Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., were the representatives from each side.
The new MG factory not only features the latest automotive technologies ensuring excellent production quality, but also boasts advanced robotics along the production line for increased efficiency and precision, as well as to maintain high quality and safety in the production process. The new plant has lower energy consumption and emission levels, and is more environmentally-friendly while offering good ergonomics to MG workers and employees.
Left to Right
1. K.Nopadol Chearavanont Board of Directors of SAIC Motor- CP Co.,Ltd.
2. K. Thanakorn Seriburi Vice Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group and Chairman of
Board of Directors SAIC Motor- CP Co.,Ltd.,
3. K.Soopakij Chearavanont Chairman of Charoen Pokohan Group
4. K.Dhanin Chearavanont Senior Chairman of Charoen Pokphand Group
5. Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak Deputy Prime Minister H.E.
6. Mr. Wu Zhiwu People’s Democratic Republic of China’s Minister Counselor to Thailand
H.E. Wu Zhiwu
7. Mr. Chen Hong Chairman of SAIC Motor Corporation
8. Mr. Chen Zhixin President of SAIC Motor Corporation
9. Mr. Wang Xiaoqiu Vice President of SAIC Motor Corporation
10. Mr. Shi Guoyong President of SAIC Motor-CP Co.,Ltd.
MOU Left to Right
1. Mr. Zhang Haibo Vice President of SAIC Motor-CP Co.,Ltd. and President of MG Sales (Thailand) Co.,Ltd
2. Dr. Narong Sirilertvorakul President of NSTDA
About MG
Established in 1924, MG or Morris Garages is an iconic British brand steeped in tradition dating back more than 90 years. To date, MG is owned by SAIC. MG’s design centre is named UK Technical Centre and now located in Birmingham, England. MG is a British brand which incorporates cutting-edge European engineering technology, and enjoys synergistic support from SAIC in the form of global sourcing, automotive components supply chain, quality control management and other services. MG is best known for its world-renowned two-seater MGB roadster which was introduced in 1962.
About MG Thailand
Founded in 2013, MG Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd, is the Sales, Marketing, and After-sales services arm for the MG brand in Thailand. MG Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd oversees dealer networks and is both a joint venture and business unit of the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). SAIC is one of the world’s largest integrated automotive companies, while CP is one of Thailand's largest conglomerates. Both CP and SAIC operate the state-of-the-art SAIC Motor-CP Co., Ltd manufacturing facility, which assembles the iconic MG vehicles, to serve both domestic and ASEAN markets. SAIC Motor-CP Co., Ltd, the manufacturer of MG vehicles, is located at the Hemaraj Industrial Eastern Seaboard in Chon Buri.
For further information, please visit www.mgcars.com or www.facebook.com/MGcarsThailand
FACT SHEET
< Overview >
1. Plant name: SAIC Motor-CP Co., Ltd.
2. Location: Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 2 Chonburi, Thailand
3. Establishment: 13 October 2016 (Pilot Piling Ceremony)
4. Representative: Mr. Shi Guoyong
5. Products: MG right-hand driving model, available for domestic market recently and shall expand to reginal and worldwide market in the soon future
6. Production capacity: 100,000 units a year
7. Site area: 700,000 square meters
8. Number of employees: 690 employees (As of November 2017)
