MG Motor to overhaul its dealership network, close underperforming outlets

As MG Motor India prepares for its potential partnership with JSW Group, the car company is planning to overhaul its dealership network in the country. It aims to close its underperforming showrooms and open new dealerships in different locations, The Economic Times (ET) reported, citing individuals aware of the development.

Speaking about the company’s plan to expand its retail network in India, a spokesperson for MG Motors stated, “Customers are at the core of everything we do at MG India. We are exploring all avenues of growth and expansion in the country, and network development is an integral part of our growth strategy. We are fortifying our pan-India presence from the current 330 touchpoints in 158 cities to 400 in 270 cities by December 2023.”

However, the car company declined the request to share details about capacity expansion plans and the company’s discussions with dealers, saying the “questions are speculative,” the ET report added. China’s SAIC Motor and JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal are conducting the final rounds of talks to establish their partnership.

Earlier reports suggested that JSW Group and MG Motors would collaborate to advance the MG brand. The two companies have finalised an agreement, and an announcement is expected by the end of this month or by Diwali. Under the terms of the agreement, a private company owned by Sajjan Jindal will initially acquire a 32-25 per cent stake in MG Motor India, while SAIC will retain 51 per cent ownership. For the financial year ending in 2023, MG Motor India had a 1.26 per cent share in India’s passenger vehicle segment.