MG will go after the Renault 5 next year with a production version of its funky Go electric supermini concept, which will be built at its new Spanish factory from 2028.
In June, MG parent company SAIC announced plans to build its first European factory, and sources have revealed that the site will begin assembling the Chinese firm’s new electric supermini in the next two years.
MG’s first European-built model since assembly finished at Longbridge in 2016 has been referred to widely as the MG 2, but sources suggest the Go name is set to remain for production.
Due on sale around September next year, it will share its E+ platform with the new front-wheel-drive 4 EV Urban and remain close in appearance to the concept, which was designed at MG's London studio.
The small MG takes a similar retro-futuristic design approach to its Mini and Renault rivals and is set to match them closely on specification too. A
t around 4.0m long, it's set to use the 4 EV Urban’s 149bhp motor and 43kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery.
Pricing is expected to start at around £20,000, compared with a £23,495 starting price for the 4 EV Urban.
MG will no doubt look to match the aggressive pricing of the Geely EX2 and the forthcoming Leapmotor B03, which will also be built in Spain from 2028.
During the initial phase, SAIC plans to build 70,000 vehicles per year at Ferrol from late 2028.
Given the factory’s stated maximum capacity of 120,000 cars a year, a second model is likely to join the assembly line later.
Why Chinese car makers are moving into Spain
MG is one of several Chinese car makers moving to build European-market models within the region, to get around the EU’s import tariffs on Chinese-built EVs.
Spain has become their preferred destination, thanks to competitive labour costs and government incentives.
Geely has chosen Ford’s Valencia plant, Leapmotor is using Stellantis factories in Madrid and Zaragoza, while Chery operates the former Nissan site in Barcelona.
SAIC has selected the port of Ferrol in the north-west, which already serves as the European entry point for MG models shipped from China.
The firm’s Spanish investment is strategically important, as SAIC faces the highest tariff imposed on any Chinese manufacturer : 35.3%, on top of the standard 10% import duty.
As a result, SAIC’s European EV sales have declined, while its hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have gained ground.
In response to the expected fresh influx of Chinese-made vehicles, the EU recently raised the prospect of tariffs on Chinese hybrids unless Beijing limits annual exports to 15% of the market.
“The plan is to begin construction of the Ferrol site in 2027 and have the factory operational before the end of 2028,” MG regional president Alfonso Rueda said in June.
The 100,000sqm factory is expected to create 2000 jobs, including 1000 direct roles.
It made headlines in August when the Spanish Navy, whose warships are based in Ferrol harbour, raised concerns over potential Chinese espionage risks.
While construction of the factory will begin in 2027, SAIC has already started work in As Pontes de García Rodríguez, some 25 miles from Ferrol, to establish its parts-supply logistics.
To speed up the launch, the first cars will be assembled from late 2028 using completely knocked-down kits, rather than semi-knocked-down kits, shipped from China.
Initially the Ferrol site won't include stamping, body-in-white or paint operations.
Pierre Henry