The MG4 could be entitled to the ecological bonus in 2024 thanks to this decision

MG has just launched production of its MG4 in Thailand, in addition to its Chinese factory. A strategy which could allow it to continue to benefit from the ecological bonus in 2024 while waiting to build its assembly site in Europe.

For several months, Chinese manufacturers have been investing massively in the European market, while many of them took their first steps on the continent during the last Paris Motor Show. And some are doing very well, like MG which is a hit with its MG4, to the point of overtaking the Tesla Model 3 on several occasions.

A new factory

And the Chinese manufacturer obviously does not intend to stop there, as it faces increased competition from other Asian brands, including BYD. For the record, the latter remains the world number 2 in electric, but would be on the way to becoming the first and overtaking Tesla. Both competitors sold almost as many zero-emission cars (at the exhaust) during the 3rd trimester.

MG must therefore not rest on its achievements if it wants to offer itself a good place in the sun. Its Chinese factory is running at full capacity to meet strong demand. But the manufacturer wants to go even faster. This is how he has just launch production of its affordable compact in Thailandas announced on the Chinese site CNEVPost.

In a press release, MG already announced a few days ago the launch ofa special series called Thailand Edition, and only reserved for this market. But why did you choose this country? Well, there are several reasons for this strategy. First of all, you should know that the Chinese firm is doing very well there, since it occupies 6th place in the best-seller rankings, with a market share of 3%.

Furthermore, and few know it, Thailand is one of the major car producing countries in Southeast Asia. By welcoming the assembly of the MG4, sold at 7,313 copies in Europe in September alone, it should increase its power. Especially since this factory, located in the province of Chonburi, is also responsible for producing batteries for the manufacturer.

A little sleight of hand

And the numbers are impressive. In fact, this factory displays an annual capacity of 100,000 cars and can produce more than 50,000 batteries over the same period. For the moment, vehicles manufactured at this assembly site will only be sold on the Thai market. However, it cannot be ruled out that this will change in the coming months, and in particular from next year. But what is the reason?

We remember that the French government plans to tighten the rules for obtaining the ecological bonus. And it will notably exclude all cars produced in China, as we explained in a previous article. The MG 4 will therefore be affected, as will the Dacia Spring as well as the Tesla Model 3, among others. But the Chinese firm could take advantage of its Thai factory to slip through the cracks.

Indeed, its cars will be produced there, as will the batteries. Thus, it is not excluded that the manufacturer exports to Europe its cars assembled in Thailand in order to always have the right to the bonus. However, we will still have to wait before the government officially details the list of cars that will have access to this financial boost. The announcement should take place on December 15.

Later, MG will also be able to count on its European factory, since the manufacturer confirmed the construction of the latter in a press release. For the moment, we do not yet know which country will be chosen, while its rival BYD has opted for Hungary. A strategy that will allow Chinese brands to continue to benefit from the ecological bonus in 2024.