MG wants to be a top-three brand in Australia by the end of 2030, and it’ll get there with the help of a ute.
“In Australia, without a ute, you’ll never get a chance to stand on the top three,” said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao.
The company’s chief commercial officer Giles Belcher added: “Our plan is to be top five by the end of 2027 and top three by the end of 2030. You can’t do it without a ute so, connect the dots”.
The executives’ remarks all but confirm a ute is coming, but they suggest the launch could take place later in the decade.
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MG Extender
MG already sells a version of the T60 produced by LDV – another SAIC Motor-owned brand – in markets such as Thailand, badged as the Extender.
It has ruled out selling this vehicle, having previously said it’s waiting for the “right product” for our market.
It’s unclear if the upcoming ute will be a new vehicle, or if we can expect a lightly restyled version of LDV’s recently revealed ute.
LDV – or Maxus, as it’s known in most markets – has a new, larger ute coming called the Terron 9.
LDV Terron 9
This will also be available with electric power under the eTerron 9 nameplate. Both models will launch here with LDV badges during 2025.
According to government approval documents, the Terron 9 will pack a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 164kW, while the eTerron 9 will offer the choice of 200kW single-motor rear-wheel drive and 325kW dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains.
With MG being arguably SAIC Motor’s most global brand, its badge has been applied to various vehicles from the Chinese giant’s vast portfolio.
That includes vans, utes and people movers from LDV/Maxus, passenger cars and SUVs from Roewe and, soon, electric passenger cars and SUVs from the premium IM Motors division.
LDV eTerron 9
This gives MG Motor Australia the opportunity to use other SAIC Motor brands to plug gaps in the local lineup.
“We assess many, many parts. Our parent company is huge, different brands, massive product range,” said Mr Belcher.
“We assess everything on its own merits and if we think it suits the Australian market, then we will do our best to get that product.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a particular segment we rule out, it’s just a matter of what products our parent company is developing or has, and then we’ll assess that product for Australia on its own merits.”
A ute has the potential to give MG sales a major shot in the arm.
LDV eTerron 9 
The Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux were Australia’s two best-selling vehicles in 2023, when they both found in excess of 60,000 buyers.
They beat out the Isuzu D-Max (31,202), Mazda BT-50 (17,526) and Mitsubishi Triton (16,641).
Kia is entering the ute segment for the first time in 2025 with the Tasman, and expects to sell around 20,000 examples in its first full year on sale.
There are already multiple Chinese players in the segment. GWM sold 9616 Cannon Utes in 2023, while LDV sold 9106 T60s.
JAC is the latest entrant to the segment with its T9, which recently reached local showrooms, while Foton is returning in 2025.
