Latest news with #PeterCiao
The Advertiser
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Used car prices are 'ridiculous', says MG boss
Australians are paying 'ridiculous' prices for used cars, says MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao. And he has a plan to correct the market, while encouraging more new-car buyers, with a three-pronged powertrain strategy that's designed to challenge the status quo. "For me, the used car price in Australia is ridiculous. It's too high," Ciao told CarExpert in an exclusive interview. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There are more than one million used car buyers each year, and lots of people will purchase a used car because they trust this brand and [will] pay 70 per cent of the price for a car that has already driven 50,000km, 80,000km or more, and maybe only has one year left on the warranty. Why would you do that? "At MG, we need to challenge this." The Chinese automaker has firmly established itself as a top-10 selling brand in Australia, on the strength of its budget-focused range of small passenger vehicles, family-friendly SUVs and, to a certain degree, the affordable MG 4 electric hatchback. But it is in the midst expanding its model portfolio with new fuel-efficient powertrains across its core product lineup, with models such as the MG 3 city hatch and the ZS small SUV now offered with the choice of conventional petrol engines or hybrid options. And, in the case of the HS mid-size SUV and the upcoming QS seven-seat SUV, also with 'Super Hybrid' plug-in alternatives. This, claims Mr Ciao, provides MG with the ability to challenge the used car market with entry-level models powered by internal combustion engines, while tackling the lower end of mainstream brands with hybrid vehicles, and also conventional hybrid rivals with the added benefit of plug-in technology at similar prices. "With a population of 27 million people, everyone's budget is different. And, at MG, we look after everyone, and we challenge the other OEMs [automakers]. "With MG, I will provide a new car with a 10-year warranty that is priced similarly to a used car. For MG 3, ZS, HS and QS with ICE powertrains, I will focus on why you shouldn't buy a used car. "For hybrid, I'll use this to benchmark against other OEMs offering entry-level models with stronger Hybrid+ value. "[And] with Super Hybrid, I will compete with the top hybrids. The benefit will be to provide more for the same price, as the MG Super Hybrid is much, much better than a normal hybrid. "This is my strategy: I will use ICE to target used car buyers, hybrid to target OEM petrol, and Super Hybrid to target other hybrids." Watch this space for our full Expert Insights interview with Mr Ciao this weekend. MORE: Everything MG Content originally sourced from: Australians are paying 'ridiculous' prices for used cars, says MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao. And he has a plan to correct the market, while encouraging more new-car buyers, with a three-pronged powertrain strategy that's designed to challenge the status quo. "For me, the used car price in Australia is ridiculous. It's too high," Ciao told CarExpert in an exclusive interview. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There are more than one million used car buyers each year, and lots of people will purchase a used car because they trust this brand and [will] pay 70 per cent of the price for a car that has already driven 50,000km, 80,000km or more, and maybe only has one year left on the warranty. Why would you do that? "At MG, we need to challenge this." The Chinese automaker has firmly established itself as a top-10 selling brand in Australia, on the strength of its budget-focused range of small passenger vehicles, family-friendly SUVs and, to a certain degree, the affordable MG 4 electric hatchback. But it is in the midst expanding its model portfolio with new fuel-efficient powertrains across its core product lineup, with models such as the MG 3 city hatch and the ZS small SUV now offered with the choice of conventional petrol engines or hybrid options. And, in the case of the HS mid-size SUV and the upcoming QS seven-seat SUV, also with 'Super Hybrid' plug-in alternatives. This, claims Mr Ciao, provides MG with the ability to challenge the used car market with entry-level models powered by internal combustion engines, while tackling the lower end of mainstream brands with hybrid vehicles, and also conventional hybrid rivals with the added benefit of plug-in technology at similar prices. "With a population of 27 million people, everyone's budget is different. And, at MG, we look after everyone, and we challenge the other OEMs [automakers]. "With MG, I will provide a new car with a 10-year warranty that is priced similarly to a used car. For MG 3, ZS, HS and QS with ICE powertrains, I will focus on why you shouldn't buy a used car. "For hybrid, I'll use this to benchmark against other OEMs offering entry-level models with stronger Hybrid+ value. "[And] with Super Hybrid, I will compete with the top hybrids. The benefit will be to provide more for the same price, as the MG Super Hybrid is much, much better than a normal hybrid. "This is my strategy: I will use ICE to target used car buyers, hybrid to target OEM petrol, and Super Hybrid to target other hybrids." Watch this space for our full Expert Insights interview with Mr Ciao this weekend. MORE: Everything MG Content originally sourced from: Australians are paying 'ridiculous' prices for used cars, says MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao. And he has a plan to correct the market, while encouraging more new-car buyers, with a three-pronged powertrain strategy that's designed to challenge the status quo. "For me, the used car price in Australia is ridiculous. It's too high," Ciao told CarExpert in an exclusive interview. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There are more than one million used car buyers each year, and lots of people will purchase a used car because they trust this brand and [will] pay 70 per cent of the price for a car that has already driven 50,000km, 80,000km or more, and maybe only has one year left on the warranty. Why would you do that? "At MG, we need to challenge this." The Chinese automaker has firmly established itself as a top-10 selling brand in Australia, on the strength of its budget-focused range of small passenger vehicles, family-friendly SUVs and, to a certain degree, the affordable MG 4 electric hatchback. But it is in the midst expanding its model portfolio with new fuel-efficient powertrains across its core product lineup, with models such as the MG 3 city hatch and the ZS small SUV now offered with the choice of conventional petrol engines or hybrid options. And, in the case of the HS mid-size SUV and the upcoming QS seven-seat SUV, also with 'Super Hybrid' plug-in alternatives. This, claims Mr Ciao, provides MG with the ability to challenge the used car market with entry-level models powered by internal combustion engines, while tackling the lower end of mainstream brands with hybrid vehicles, and also conventional hybrid rivals with the added benefit of plug-in technology at similar prices. "With a population of 27 million people, everyone's budget is different. And, at MG, we look after everyone, and we challenge the other OEMs [automakers]. "With MG, I will provide a new car with a 10-year warranty that is priced similarly to a used car. For MG 3, ZS, HS and QS with ICE powertrains, I will focus on why you shouldn't buy a used car. "For hybrid, I'll use this to benchmark against other OEMs offering entry-level models with stronger Hybrid+ value. "[And] with Super Hybrid, I will compete with the top hybrids. The benefit will be to provide more for the same price, as the MG Super Hybrid is much, much better than a normal hybrid. "This is my strategy: I will use ICE to target used car buyers, hybrid to target OEM petrol, and Super Hybrid to target other hybrids." Watch this space for our full Expert Insights interview with Mr Ciao this weekend. MORE: Everything MG Content originally sourced from: Australians are paying 'ridiculous' prices for used cars, says MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao. And he has a plan to correct the market, while encouraging more new-car buyers, with a three-pronged powertrain strategy that's designed to challenge the status quo. "For me, the used car price in Australia is ridiculous. It's too high," Ciao told CarExpert in an exclusive interview. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "There are more than one million used car buyers each year, and lots of people will purchase a used car because they trust this brand and [will] pay 70 per cent of the price for a car that has already driven 50,000km, 80,000km or more, and maybe only has one year left on the warranty. Why would you do that? "At MG, we need to challenge this." The Chinese automaker has firmly established itself as a top-10 selling brand in Australia, on the strength of its budget-focused range of small passenger vehicles, family-friendly SUVs and, to a certain degree, the affordable MG 4 electric hatchback. But it is in the midst expanding its model portfolio with new fuel-efficient powertrains across its core product lineup, with models such as the MG 3 city hatch and the ZS small SUV now offered with the choice of conventional petrol engines or hybrid options. And, in the case of the HS mid-size SUV and the upcoming QS seven-seat SUV, also with 'Super Hybrid' plug-in alternatives. This, claims Mr Ciao, provides MG with the ability to challenge the used car market with entry-level models powered by internal combustion engines, while tackling the lower end of mainstream brands with hybrid vehicles, and also conventional hybrid rivals with the added benefit of plug-in technology at similar prices. "With a population of 27 million people, everyone's budget is different. And, at MG, we look after everyone, and we challenge the other OEMs [automakers]. "With MG, I will provide a new car with a 10-year warranty that is priced similarly to a used car. For MG 3, ZS, HS and QS with ICE powertrains, I will focus on why you shouldn't buy a used car. "For hybrid, I'll use this to benchmark against other OEMs offering entry-level models with stronger Hybrid+ value. "[And] with Super Hybrid, I will compete with the top hybrids. The benefit will be to provide more for the same price, as the MG Super Hybrid is much, much better than a normal hybrid. "This is my strategy: I will use ICE to target used car buyers, hybrid to target OEM petrol, and Super Hybrid to target other hybrids." Watch this space for our full Expert Insights interview with Mr Ciao this weekend. MORE: Everything MG Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Used car prices are 'ridiculous', says MG boss
Australians are paying 'ridiculous' prices for used cars, says MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao. And he has a plan to correct the market, while encouraging more new-car buyers, with a three-pronged powertrain strategy that's designed to challenge the status quo. 'For me, the used car price in Australia is ridiculous. It's too high,' Ciao told CarExpert in an exclusive interview. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'There are more than one million used car buyers each year, and lots of people will purchase a used car because they trust this brand and [will] pay 70 per cent of the price for a car that has already driven 50,000km, 80,000km or more, and maybe only has one year left on the warranty. Why would you do that? 'At MG, we need to challenge this.' The Chinese automaker has firmly established itself as a top-10 selling brand in Australia, on the strength of its budget-focused range of small passenger vehicles, family-friendly SUVs and, to a certain degree, the affordable MG 4 electric hatchback. Supplied Credit: CarExpert But it is in the midst expanding its model portfolio with new fuel-efficient powertrains across its core product lineup, with models such as the MG 3 city hatch and the ZS small SUV now offered with the choice of conventional petrol engines or hybrid options. And, in the case of the HS mid-size SUV and the upcoming QS seven-seat SUV, also with 'Super Hybrid' plug-in alternatives. This, claims Mr Ciao, provides MG with the ability to challenge the used car market with entry-level models powered by internal combustion engines, while tackling the lower end of mainstream brands with hybrid vehicles, and also conventional hybrid rivals with the added benefit of plug-in technology at similar prices. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'My business strategy is to continue to provide a fantastic price for customers,' he said. 'With a population of 27 million people, everyone's budget is different. And, at MG, we look after everyone, and we challenge the other OEMs [automakers]. 'With MG, I will provide a new car with a 10-year warranty that is priced similarly to a used car. For MG 3, ZS, HS and QS with ICE powertrains, I will focus on why you shouldn't buy a used car. 'For hybrid, I'll use this to benchmark against other OEMs offering entry-level models with stronger Hybrid+ value. Supplied Credit: CarExpert '[And] with Super Hybrid, I will compete with the top hybrids. The benefit will be to provide more for the same price, as the MG Super Hybrid is much, much better than a normal hybrid. 'This is my strategy: I will use ICE to target used car buyers, hybrid to target OEM petrol, and Super Hybrid to target other hybrids.' Watch this space for our full Expert Insights interview with Mr Ciao this weekend. MORE: Everything MG
7NEWS
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Used car prices are 'ridiculous', says MG boss
Australians are paying 'ridiculous' prices for used cars, says MG Motor Australia CEO, Peter Ciao. And he has a plan to correct the market, while encouraging more new-car buyers, with a three-pronged powertrain strategy that's designed to challenge the status quo. 'For me, the used car price in Australia is ridiculous. It's too high,' Ciao told CarExpert in an exclusive interview. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'There are more than one million used car buyers each year, and lots of people will purchase a used car because they trust this brand and [will] pay 70 per cent of the price for a car that has already driven 50,000km, 80,000km or more, and maybe only has one year left on the warranty. Why would you do that? 'At MG, we need to challenge this.' The Chinese automaker has firmly established itself as a top-10 selling brand in Australia, on the strength of its budget-focused range of small passenger vehicles, family-friendly SUVs and, to a certain degree, the affordable MG 4 electric hatchback. But it is in the midst expanding its model portfolio with new fuel-efficient powertrains across its core product lineup, with models such as the MG 3 city hatch and the ZS small SUV now offered with the choice of conventional petrol engines or hybrid options. And, in the case of the HS mid-size SUV and the upcoming QS seven-seat SUV, also with 'Super Hybrid' plug-in alternatives. This, claims Mr Ciao, provides MG with the ability to challenge the used car market with entry-level models powered by internal combustion engines, while tackling the lower end of mainstream brands with hybrid vehicles, and also conventional hybrid rivals with the added benefit of plug-in technology at similar prices. 'My business strategy is to continue to provide a fantastic price for customers,' he said. 'With a population of 27 million people, everyone's budget is different. And, at MG, we look after everyone, and we challenge the other OEMs [automakers]. 'With MG, I will provide a new car with a 10-year warranty that is priced similarly to a used car. For MG 3, ZS, HS and QS with ICE powertrains, I will focus on why you shouldn't buy a used car. 'For hybrid, I'll use this to benchmark against other OEMs offering entry-level models with stronger Hybrid+ value. '[And] with Super Hybrid, I will compete with the top hybrids. The benefit will be to provide more for the same price, as the MG Super Hybrid is much, much better than a normal hybrid. 'This is my strategy: I will use ICE to target used car buyers, hybrid to target OEM petrol, and Super Hybrid to target other hybrids.' Watch this space for our full Expert Insights interview with Mr Ciao this weekend.
NZ Autocar
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
MG QS three-row SUV dots down in Australia
MG Motor Australia now has its large family-sized SUV, the MG QS. It has shipped and is now in dealerships across Australia. The same model is promised here as well, according to the local MG website. So it should arrive soon in both Excite and Essence trim levels. The QS has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine under the hood, delivering 153kW of power and 360Nm of torque. It mates to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Read our review of MG ZS hybrid+ Essence. MG says its QS is a genuine seven-seater, not a 5+2, and combines practical versatility with premium styling. The flexible third row of seats folds flat to make extra room for prams, sports gear, or luggage. Capacity ranges from 203 through 517 to 1052L, for seven, five and two seats in use, respectively. Both can tow up to 2000kg braked loads. Peter Ciao, Chief Executive Officer of MG Motor Australia, said: 'We're proud to officially welcome the MG QS to our dealerships across Australia. This is our first 7-seat SUV in the market, and it marks an exciting milestone for MG and our customers. 'The QS is designed with Australian families in mind – whether it's the school run, weekend sport or a family road trip. The extra space and versatility of a true 7-seater…will make a real difference in everyday life.' 'As always, we've focused on delivering exceptional value without compromising on style, performance or technology. With its spacious interior, turbocharged engine and premium features across both variants, the QS is a standout addition to our line-up. We're confident it will be a popular choice for families across the country.' Special features include tri-zone climate air, a powered fifth door and a Bose premium sound system. The QS comes with MG's 10-year factory warranty. Promotional drive-away pricing in Australia is $46,990 for the Excite 2wd model, and $50,990 for the Essence AWD version. Specifications
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
MG's new ute to be available with tough Australian-made accessories
MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts. The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options. HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch. The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement. "We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet. "We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year." HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea. "We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said. "HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining." HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard. Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely. HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories. "There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said. "We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours." It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition. As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles. While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia. MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories Content originally sourced from: MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts. The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options. HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch. The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement. "We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet. "We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year." HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea. "We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said. "HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining." HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard. Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely. HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories. "There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said. "We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours." It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition. As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles. While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia. MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories Content originally sourced from: MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts. The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options. HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch. The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement. "We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet. "We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year." HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea. "We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said. "HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining." HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard. Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely. HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories. "There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said. "We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours." It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition. As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles. While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia. MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories Content originally sourced from: MG Motor Australia has partnered with multiple Australian aftermarket companies to develop accessories for its incoming U9 ute, all of which will be available as genuine parts. The U9 is due to go on sale in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, and with local testing already underway, MG has joined forces with the likes of HSP, ARB, and AutoPacific to prepare a suite of accessories including bullbars, protection, tub lids and load racks that will be available as dealer options. HSP in particular – an Australian-based company that develops and manufactures accessories in Victoria – has already completed its prototype and testing phase and will have a series of parts available for the U9 from launch. The announcement follows similar partnerships announced in recent months, like BYD joining forces with Ironman 4×4 to develop accessories for the Shark 6. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Our MG team is very excited about the MG U9. We are working hard to ensure customers will be able to accessorise their ute for whatever adventure they have planned," said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao in a statement. "We have met with a range of companies including HSP and AutoPacific so far and have more potential suppliers to meet. "We know Australians love to modify their ute, and the MG U9 will be ready for every adventure families plan with it. We can't wait to launch the MG U9 in spring this year." HSP director Massih Aimaq says the company is excited to work with MG – especially in the context of an influx of new utes from China and Korea. "We had already done some preliminary work on the vehicle platform, so it made sense to progress the conversation commercially – especially as we've worked with some of the key MG team members in the past," he said. "HSP products will be ready ahead of the MG U9's official launch, with prototyping and test-fitting already completed and only minor tweaks remaining." HSP products to be available for the U9 include an electric "Roll R Cover", ladder load rack, sliding bed loader, and an as-yet-unreleased manual roller cover. The company says it won't offer its tailgate assist and central locking kit for the U9, as it will feature these systems as standard. Similarly, the U9's semi-integrated sailplane means an aftermarket sports bar is unlikely. HSP's research and development director Masood Aimaq says the U9 presents a unique challenge in developing and adapting its pre-existing accessories. "There are so many unique elements to the MG ute that we've had to revisit the drawing board several times to ensure our products don't just complement the vehicle's look but integrate seamlessly with how it's used," he said. "We have developed features like factory remote and central locking, and we'll be offering voice activation for the Roll R Cover via the HSP 4×4 app, something that's uniquely ours." It's not the first time HSP has partnered with a vehicle manufacturer in Australia. It has previously worked with Nissan to develop dealer-fit accessories for its Navara ute, and had its electric roller cover fitted as standard for the limited-run Navara Black Edition. As for the other brands, ARB is known for its broad range of bullbars and vehicle protection accessories, while AutoPacific manufactures a range of towing and cargo storage products for various vehicles. While MG has sold utes in other markets before, the U9 – a twin to the upcoming Terron 9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand LDV – will be its first ute in Australia. MORE: 2026 MG U9 – Australian testing underway for China's next Ranger, HiLux rival MORE: BYD partners with Ironman 4×4 for Shark 6 accessories Content originally sourced from:
