On December 29, SAIC signed a cooperation agreement with Egypt’s Mansour Group to invest 135 million USD to build a new automobile manufacturing plant for its MG brand in Egypt. The plant will initially produce the new generation of MG5 models, then gradually introduce more SUVs and new energy vehicles.
According to the agreement, Mansour Mobility & Manufacturing (MMM), a subsidiary of Mansour Group, has signed a land lease contract with Egypt’s Public Authority of Land and Dry Ports to plan and construct a modern automobile manufacturing plant in the newly built 6th of October Industrial Park. In the first phase, the plant will have an annual production capacity of 50,000 vehicles, then doubling to 100,000 vehicles in the second phase to achieve a localization rate of over 45%. At this time, the detailed schedule has not been revealed.
Furthermore, the plant will have an 8,000 m2 body shop, a 12,000 m2 paint shop, a 10,000 m2 assembly shop, as well as supporting facilities buildings, administrative office buildings, and a 5,000 m2 closed warehouse.
About the new generation MG5
The new generation MG5 sedan was launched in September 2024, available in three trims with a price range of 81,900 – 95,900 yuan (11,200 – 13,100 USD) in China. The first MG5 was launched in 2012 in China. As an annual facelift model, the new MG5 has been upgraded in terms of appearance, interior, and configurations. The dimensions are 4715/1842/1473 (1480) mm with a 2680 mm wheelbase.
The new MG5 offers two engine options, 1.5L and 1.5T. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine has a maximum power of 95 kW (127 hp) and a peak torque of 158 Nm, mated to a CVT gearbox. The 1.5T engine has a maximum power of 133 kW (178 hp) and a peak torque of 285 Nm, mated to a 7-speed DCT. The top speed is 180 km/h and 200 km/h; and the WLTC comprehensive fuel consumption per 100 km is 6.38 L and 6.45 L, respectively. The standard fuel tank capacity is 50 L.
Stepping into the car, the interior is themed “light sports”, featuring a D-shaped multi-function steering wheel, a 12.3-inch instrument panel, and a 12.3-inch floating central control screen powered by the Zebra Venus intelligent car system.
