Chinese automotive manufacturer MG appears poised to officially announce a new utility vehicle, a dual-cab model that may finally enter the Australian market.

Recent images shared by CarNewsChina depict the vehicle, identified as the MG P9, being transported on the back of a tow truck in China. While it lacks its rear bumper, the vehicle remains largely intact.

The design may seem familiar, as it is essentially a rebadged version of the Maxus Star X, which is already set to hit Australian roads under the LDV banner as the Terron 9.

It’s important to note that while both MG and LDV fall under the umbrella of SAIC Motor, they operate as distinct entities within the Australian automotive landscape. MG markets its own lineup, while LDV’s vehicles are distributed through Ateco.

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MG Motor Australia has been vocal regarding its goal of introducing a ute to its product lineup, expressing that such a vehicle is vital to its aspirations of becoming one of the leading automotive brands in the country.

“In Australia, without a ute, you won’t have a genuine shot at ranking among the top three,” stated Peter Ciao, CEO of MG Motor Australia, in an interview with CarExpert last month.

Giles Belcher, the company’s chief commercial officer, echoed this sentiment, asserting, “Our ambition is to secure a place in the top five by the end of 2027 and be among the top three by 2030. A ute is essential to achieving that goal; it connects all the dots.”

While MG offers a ute—the Extender—in Thailand, it is merely a rebadged LDV T60 and has been deemed unsuitable for the Australian market.

MG has a history of selling rebadged vehicles under the SAIC Motor umbrella in Australia, but it remains to be seen if they would also market a vehicle already sold under a different badge domestically.

“We evaluate numerous options. Our parent company is vast, encompassing various brands and a wide product array,” Mr. Belcher remarked in November. “We analyze each opportunity on its own merits, considering what aligns with Australian consumer preferences.”

Moreover, a rebadged Maxus Star X, designated the LDV Terron 9, could play a pivotal role for MG in Australia.

Government documents indicate that the Terron 9 will be available with a robust 2.5-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine generating 164 kW of power. Reports suggest this engine delivers up to 520 Nm of torque and can power either the rear or all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Terron 9 measures 5,500 mm in length, 1,997 mm in width, and 1,860 mm in height, built on a 3,300 mm wheelbase with a clearance of 220 mm.

Additionally, an electric variant known as the eTerron 9 is set to be offered, featuring a subtly redesigned front facade. Both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations have been approved for sale in Australia, producing 200 kW and 325 kW, respectively. The eTerron 9 is equipped with a 102 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, offering a commendable range of up to 430 km based on the WLTP test cycle for the dual-motor version.

Should MG choose to introduce the P9 in Australia, it would enter a fiercely competitive and lucrative sector of the new vehicle market. From January to November 2024, utes accounted for nearly 19 percent of all new vehicle sales across 11 brands.

For further updates, stay tuned for potential announcements from MG as they navigate the complexities of the Australian automotive landscape.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au