MG is now the UK’s 12th largest manufacturer by sales volume, leaving behind Land Rover, Skoda, Mini, Volvo, Renault, Citroen and Seat.
According to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the SAIC-owned Chinese brand registered a 76 per cent increase in sales to 28,149, accounting for a 3% market share.
MG has jumped from 19th to 12th as compared to the same period last year as rivals faced a drop in sales amid supply crunch and other disruptions in their business. For example, Land Rover sales were down 30% while Skoda was down 29%.
The overall new car market is down 12% since the start of the year as carmakers struggle to meet demand.
MG was one of the few to capitalize on the supply crunch, along with Hyundai (up 27%), Kia (up 21%) and Dacia (81%).
MG’s apparent immunity from reduction in semiconductor chips shows that its parent company is prioritizing sales in Europe.
According to data from data aggregator bestsellingcarsblog, sales of MG and sister brand Rowe declined in China this year, though this was partly due to the COVID lockdown.
MG’s sales growth in 2022 is driven by the success of the HS SUV, its best-seller, which is sold as both petrol and plug-in hybrid. It starts at £22,995, undercutting many rivals in the family SUV space.
MG is also benefiting from its electric cars, the ZS EV crossover and the 5SW EV estate, which accounted for nearly a quarter of its sales in the first seven months.
The new MG 4 electric hatchback will arrive in September to rival the Volkswagen ID 3 with a battery capacity of 51kWh or 64kWh, offering a maximum range of 281 miles.
MG has also updated the 5 SW EV, with the first all-new model coming here by the end of 2022.
SAIC acquired MG in 2007 by acquiring Nanjing Automobiles, which had bought MG Rover in 2005 following bankruptcy.
Under SAIC, MG relaunched the TF Roadster in 2011 before bringing the MG 6 saloon to market. However, the brand struggled to find a foothold in the UK until the 2017 launch of the ZS, which resonated with buyers looking for a budget small SUV.