Leo Zhang (MG/SAIC): "Our pioneering history has allowed us to understand the European market better than others""

Leo Zhang, CEO & President of SAIC Motor Spain & Portugal, spoke to AutoRevista at Automobile Barcelona on May 9. Reported by Luis Miguel González

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AutoRevista - MG has achieved very notable results in Europe during the first quarter of 2025. What are the keys to this growth?

Leo Zhang - Our presence at Automobile Barcelona is very important for the launch of our new MGS5 EV electric SUV. MG entered the continental European market in 2020. Our pioneering track record and SAIC's vision have allowed us to understand the European market better than others, and this is why we can develop the most suitable product to meet the needs of European customers. Therefore, I think the first reason for our success is our image. The second, in my opinion, is because we have a very good dealer network that supports us and is our partner. We also rely on important commercial agreements with companies like Santander Consumer, with whom we cooperate very well, and this also represents value for our customers.

AR - Do you think MG's origins, as a British brand, now with advanced technology from SAIC, influence customers?

L.Z. - Yes, absolutely. Because now, like everyone else, we're looking for AI, autonomy, and more electric cars. I think China is one of the best countries for this type of knowledge. So the MG brand benefits from our parent company's know-how. Furthermore, we also have special and very good products in hybrid technology, which represents another advantage in the European market.

AR: Regarding the debut of the MGS5 EV at Automobile Barcelona, ​​do you think this model could represent a qualitative and quantitative leap in MG's strategy in Spain and Europe?

L.Z: The MGS5 is a compact electric SUV. In the Spanish market, electric vehicles don't yet have a very high penetration, but customers are looking for the technology of the future. I think this car could be very ideal as a second car for the family, a very good car for them, for their family. It currently offers a range of up to 620 kilometers.

AR: A few months ago, there was talk about the possibility of a production plan in euros. Do you think it could be? The announcement of a production plan in Europe?

L.Z.- In fact, at the Shanghai Motor Show, our president spoke to many media outlets who are very interested in this question, and I believe our president has already answered it very clearly. The plan is underway to look for a location to build the factory or to cooperate with a European OEM, which we will announce this year.

We are looking for a location to build the factory or to cooperate with a European OEM, which we will announce this year

AR: On the other hand, you have strengthened your commitment to Spain with the creation of a spare parts warehouse in Spain.

L.Z.: MG's new facilities in Guadalajara will handle the 1,500 most consumed or most frequently used spare parts references; the rest will be available between the warehouses in Amsterdam and Shanghai. The new logistics infrastructure will allow us to take another major leap forward, with the goal of establishing an average delivery time that sets a new benchmark in the Spanish market. In addition to our central warehouse in the Netherlands, we also have other distribution points in Germany, France, and Italy to provide our customers with more satisfactory service in terms of speed and proximity.