On September 13, SAIC MG's new generation MG5 was officially launched. The new car was launched in 3 models, with the official guide price ranging from 81,900 to 95,900 yuan. At the same time, the new car was launched with a shocking one-stop price, ranging from 65,900 to 75,900 yuan. After this listing meeting, Mr. Yu Jingmin, Executive Deputy General Manager of SAIC Passenger Cars, Mr. Zhu Yong, Deputy General Manager of SAIC Passenger Cars, and Mr. Lu Jiajun, General Manager of SAIC MG Brand, accepted a group interview with the media. The following is the transcript of the interview.
Question 1: During the Chengdu Auto Show, Mr. Yu had a point of view that MG should speak English and MG pursues always YOUNG. This is already an attitude towards life. This press conference proposed the theme of "Carry my LIFE". Please explain. Think about the value behind this?
Yu Jingmin: There are three points behind this that I would like to share with you: First, always YOUNG. Whether it is the brand and users playing together on such a stage today, or around the world, what kind of people MG is committed to building cars for, we are all thinking about what kind of mentality MG users have, and how we interact with users. resonance. After we Chinese own this global brand, we always adhere to the original gene of the brand, always YOUNG.
The second is Fun to driving. This is a state where MG and users go both ways. The essence of using a car is to have fun while driving. In today's era, it must be smart, that is, the fun of traveling brought by smart technology. I dropped an "e" from the word "drive" and changed it to "ing", and "fun to drive" came into motion.
The third is Carry my LIFE. This is a sentiment that is truly a sentiment of young people and young people at heart. Because you only live once, who carries the life? Young people and those with a young mentality must want to control and advance things by themselves, so their attitude is uncompromising, very particular, and pursuing.
Why did you come to C City today? The C-style lifestyle is more comprehensive. Although you don’t have to settle, you don’t have to twist it. You can feel a little relaxed, as long as you make the choice of Carry life. In this process, MG is willing to present the brand's always YOUNG, Fun to driving and Carry my life in different price segments. 
Question 2: The price of the new generation MG5 is very cost-effective. Today we talk about the "C-position" debut, so how should the cost-effectiveness and C-position be reconciled?
Zhu Yong: It is really not easy for the new generation MG5 to be able to debut in the C position and have cost-effectiveness at the same time. It must have its connotation and strength, that is, inherent competitiveness. Value for money is the value of the product relative to the money you are willing to spend. You have to give users the feeling of leapfrogging, and also provide users with a good product within a cost-effective range. The most important thing is that you have toExceed customer expectations, so what strength does SAIC have to do this?
I think there are two points: the first is persistence, persistence in the hard work of history and today’s industrial results. SAIC works tirelessly on technology and design and never compromises. The MG brand is positioned as a "global coupe family" with all coupe models. This is an obsession.
The second is technology. SAIC has invested hundreds of millions in innovation foundation. The MG brand has been in China for more than 20 years, and has been advancing from the most basic power system and chassis system. The engine and gearbox we are talking about today are products after the fifth iteration. When it comes to wet dual clutch (DCT), everyone feels similar, but only the three-chamber independent technology we adopt brings real advantages in fuel consumption and power to everyone. This is roll technology and roll strength.
At the same time, you have so much technology accumulation and the XDS system, why do you sell it at such a price? This is about the ability to control costs. In terms of cost control, SAIC does not squeeze, but uses many big-name technologies, and many of them are developed by ourselves, which will inevitably bring cost advantages.
In addition, we have cultivated a global business and are not just dependent on one place. Our cars are also global standards. In this environment, if you empower suppliers with technology, what you get is super cost-effective performance and price. This is also the advantage of global supply chain management and control.
Based on these three points, we can not only provide a super coupe, but also control the price in an area that is popular with ordinary people, and young people are willing to spend money to buy it. I think this is SAIC's core advantage. Apart from this, there is no simpler, less labor-saving way to do it, unless what you see on the surface is different from what you see on the inside.
Question 3: This year, everyone is talking about how they are "rolling" and forgetting that there is still life. Why did MG launch the new generation MG5 in such an innovative way and hold a press conference in Zibo?
Lu Jiajun: We believe that the world has a lot of noise and volume. The world also drives us forward, but we should follow our hearts and give ourselves good things that are truly suitable for us.
SAIC and MG brands have always been very pragmatic. We use the global supply chain and 40 years of accumulation to achieve this goal for users, hoping to reach more of such a neglected group. Taking China as an example, there are still more than 4 million sales of 100,000-class fuel-class A-cars, but there are no new products on the market.
We now hope to make a change that can truly understand the needs of users. So where are these users? In fact, these users are in these C cities. The per capita income of 60% of China's population is still less than 3,000 yuan, but they have such vigorous vitality and such aesthetic feelings and requirements. We just give these people "just right" products.
MG originated from the UK and has always been committed to doingA product that won’t settle. The new generation MG5 is the first car suitable for young people, but in fact it is not only built for young people, it may also be a middle-aged uncle. This car can make him really like it, feel the burning passion, and make him He is 10 or 20 years younger and has truly become his best companion. We hope to bring such an emotional feeling to users, and at the same time consider practical use. We hope that this car can allow them to carry my life.
Question 4: In September this year, the penetration rate of domestic new energy vehicles actually exceeded 50% historically. Then I also know that MG’s cars are actually selling very well in European electric cars. Why are we doing this now? Under the market environment, we still need to delve into the market of fuel vehicles, and we have spent so much effort to create such a good product, and the price is very impressive. The new generation MG5 is also the first new car product you have released from Anting to Anting. What did you think about it?
Yu Jingmin: I returned to Anting from Anting again on August 14th. It has been a month now. I would like to report my considerations and understanding. The overall sedan market in the Chinese market is now in a state of 532, with 50% gasoline cars, 30% electric cars, and 20% hybrid cars. This state may soon become 433 or 334 in the future. As the market responds to PHEV models As the recognition of new energy continues to rise, the penetration rate of new energy will continue to increase.
But I think the fuel market and the new energy market are not contradictory or antagonistic. We are indeed continuing to delve into the fuel market, but it does not mean that we do not pay attention to the new energy market. In fact, the electric steel gun MG4 EV and the convertible electric sports car Cyberster All are products of great significance to the entire industry. Including that we will accelerate the launch of new products in the future.
We launch a new generation of MG5 models because there are still more than 4 million sales of 100,000-class fuel-class A-class cars. This is not a small number. Among these 4 million vehicles, young people will account for a large number of them. A large part of the proportion. Many young people may choose the price range of less than 100,000 when choosing their first car, but should they settle for the first car in life?
Mr. Lu has already expressed his position at the Chengdu Auto Show, allowing Chinese young people to represent the young people around the world and owning a car that is not compromising without a year's income. I think the new generation MG5 has such a mission. .
So we talked over and over again, we found a good word called "always YONNG", I found a good word called Fun to driving, and another good word called Carry my life, this is our desire.
So what we consider is not only whether there are good gasoline cars, whether there are good hybrid cars, and whether there are good electric cars. As the champion of Chinese cars overseas, MG’s three power forms are very popular in overseas markets. welcome. For every 10 cars China exports to Europe, 7 areIt's MG. Although we are very popular overseas, we also suffer from some unfair treatment. The tariffs imposed by the EU on us ranged from 38.1% to 37.6% and then to 36.3%. We are not afraid of this change.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the MG brand. For this brand, 100 years is a new starting point. As the first international automobile brand controlled by the Chinese, our core expectation for the MG brand is to welcome it in the hands of the Chinese revival. 100 years, and "always YOUNG" can also move towards a new 100 years. I believe that MG will become a better version of itself in the future.
Question 5: The new generation MG5 is a sports coupe priced under RMB 100,000. I would like to ask why plug-in or pure electric was not considered when developing this car?
Yu Jingmin: I think it’s possible to change the angle of this issue into one that users are concerned about? Mr. Zhu said at the press conference that my current 1.5T is within 100,000 and can challenge any other power form in terms of acceleration and control without any problems. Therefore, I think the new generation MG5 will not be inferior to any new energy vehicle within 100,000 yuan. Our car can bring users a fun-to-driving experience. Such big changes in the Chinese market may have brought everyone to a stage of following the trend. It seems that if you are not a new energy source, you are not new enough, but whether you can bring real benefits to your users may be something we consider.
Because the new generation MG5 is a global car, we need to look at what users need from a global perspective. Is powertrain the only choice for users? I don't think so. Still have to go back to the price range. At a price of less than 100,000 yuan, the cost of a single battery for a tram takes up a large part of the entire vehicle. Is it possible to have a very powerful motor? Another example is the convenience of travel. At this price, a family may only have one car, and it is difficult to travel by tram. The new generation MG5 may be the best choice for most people at this price.
Question 6: Recently, MG proposed the concept of a "global coupe family". I would like to ask why this concept was proposed? What are the subsequent product plans?
Zhu Yong: In fact, we can think back, is MG6 just a coupe? Its entire design appearance, both exterior and interior, is full of coupe elements, and the Fastback shape is full of sports passion. The colors of our interior are full of sports style. It can be said that MG6 pioneered in China "Category innovation" in the industry is the definer and leader of China's coupe field.
After 15 years of accumulation, China's coupes have gone from 0 to 1 and then to 100. The MG brand has the most professional insights into coupe models, the deepest insights into the coupe market, and the best understanding of coupe users. Comprehensive understanding. With SAIC's globalization, we have sold MG7, MG6 and MG5 globally, triggering a coupe trend around the world.The MG brand is well-deserved as the "global coupe family".
With development, we have launched coupe products one generation after another. All products under the MG brand have never cast any doubt on the definition of "coupe", so we have always followed this path. As the road goes down, you can also see, for example, our current MG7, its entire You can compare the streamlined lines of the body and the active-rising rear wing. Currently, only some luxury brands and a few independent brands on the market are equipped with active-raising rear wings, and they are basically monolithic. Only Porsche sports cars in the world are equipped with this. The three-stage active lifting tail is the first of its kind in China for the MG7. Quality is the core of coupe. We have always followed high-quality requirements for coupe products.
As for product planning, the new generation MG5 has been launched today, so what are we doing next year? To put it simply, the development of the MG brand will not stop, and neither will the development of MG7. In addition, there is the MG6, for which we will provide an updated body structure and powertrain. Whether it is traditional power or new energy, it will be reflected in the new generation MG6.
I hope everyone can look forward to it more. It is also a global car. So whether the entire MG brand is in the past, present or future, what consistent principles does it follow? That is aesthetics and high quality, which is the foundation of our "global coupe family".
Reporter 7: There will be a sense of relaxation when it is launched today. When the new generation MG5 is revealed with its configurations, I feel that this car is very interesting. And especially once the price is announced, it is guaranteed to hold the C position. The market is now very involved and the price war is very intense. What do you think of the current market situation?
Lu Jiajun: I am sitting in the C seat today, but in fact the C seat is for the new generation MG5. Today, the new generation MG5 has been set at a shocking price. The 1.5T flagship version, which can break 100 mph in 6 seconds and is the only one in its class with leapfrog configurations such as XDS and EPS-PRO, only costs 75,900 yuan. In addition, the industry's first powertrain lifetime warranty and lifetime free basic maintenance are offered. All of this expresses our determination to carry the market. Mr. Yu also said at the Chengdu Auto Show that the monthly sales target of the new generation MG5 is more than 5,000 units. I, our team and our dealer system are very confident in this.
Today, 300 of our dealers across the country have simultaneously invited customers to watch the launch conference. I have just received a lot of feedback. Our users are very satisfied with this car, so we are full of confidence in the new generation MG5.
Faced with such a huge price war, the brave will win when we meet on a narrow road. We will come up with products that can impress users more and expand with them. In addition to the coupe segment, we will launch an offensive in the pure electric SUV market this year. We have been criticized for being too slow in the field of pure electric SUVs. Now the new car we are going to launch is a very heavyweight global car, and we will work together to build it in China. This year weIt will launch a pure electric SUV for young families. People often say that an all-round excellent car is a hexagonal warrior. I think it is at least an octagonal warrior, with exquisite features on all sides.
Next year, a new energy model of MG6 will be released to complete the coupe's model spectrum. MG7 has now also entered the Middle East and European markets. It is definitely not easy for a B-class sedan fuel vehicle to enter the European market, and the MG7 will be upgraded in the future.
Question 8: The theme of today’s press conference is “Carry my LIFE.” What is MG’s value thinking and attitude proposition behind this theme? At the same time, this year marks the 100th anniversary of MG. Standing at a new starting point, what is the outlook for the future of the MG brand?
Yu Jingmin: The Chinese market is so big, how many brands can go overseas and become globally renowned brands is a big question mark. Today, I feel more and more that it can be achieved without hard work. It has a lot of chance and coincidence, but I sincerely hope that every Chinese brand that works hard can succeed. This is a good wish of mine.
So SAIC is very lucky to have the MG brand, which has allowed us to develop and perfect the wisdom and ideas of the Chinese people over the years, thereby promoting our global development; but having said that, relatively speaking, our performance in the domestic market There is a little less communication, and I personally want to review this.
The reason why we chose Zibo for the world premiere of our new generation MG5 this time is that I think the core reason is that Zibo’s urban culture is highly consistent with the MG brand spirit and the product value of MG5. Don't say that A is not good, and don't say that B is not good. To carry my life, I have to debut in C position. In the past two years, "Going to Zi for a barbecue" has become a hot topic across the country. Behind this craze, it means that many young people are bravely pursuing the beauty in life and taking control of their own lives.
Being young does not mean being careless, and the new generation MG5 is a ceiling-level car created for such young groups. The design has a sense of relaxation, the performance is unique in its class, the quality adheres to global standards, and the technology focuses on practicality and bravery. Everything is up to me. The mastered MG5 advocates the values of C-style life. I also hope that all the media teachers here can recommend our new generation MG5 to the young people around you, so that they can see what is the real "A-class coupe ceiling".
At the same time, we will communicate with you about the MG7 in October and the new electric SUV MG ES5 in November. Please wait and see. We are still making this car at a global level and making its world debut. It will be launched in Europe in about December. Even if there are European tariff barriers, we will still not give up moving forward. If we increase our global stakes even more, we will not be able to make money globally because the Chinese auto market has already taken the lead in global development. This is something we deeply understand.
Zhu Yong: Today we are talking about the C position, which is actually the best answer to this question——A, B, there is contention and there is no contention, right? Only C is indisputable, right? Lao Tzu has a famous saying: "Husbands don't fight, so no one in the world can fight with them." This is the wisdom of our ancestors.
Second point, the concept of "C City" fits perfectly with our thousands of years of moderate culture. On the surface, Zhongyong pays attention to peace and harmony. The connotation of moderation means that we should not blindly compete with others, but should do our best first. We don't make money domestically, but we can still make money internationally even if tariffs are imposed. The domestic price of MG4 is 100,000 or 120,000 yuan, and the overseas price is 200,000 yuan. This is the reason for SAIC's insistence on MG.
Question 9: At the recent Chengdu Auto Show, you mentioned that the polymer solid-state battery developed by SAIC Motor is planned to be used in new MG cars next year, which is earlier than the solid-state battery launch timetable previously announced by SAIC Group. Can you provide more information on this development?
Yu Jingmin: SAIC has established a new energy technology reserve that is the first among global car companies. Whether it is our DMH five-in-one super hybrid or our polymer solid-state batteries, they are world-leading. As early as 2017, our first-generation hybrid technology won the second prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award for the first time on behalf of the Chinese automobile industry. This year, our Rubik's Cube battery won the second prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award again.
In July this year, we launched the "Super Safe Core Commitment" and launched the industry's first "zero combustion guarantee" and "three electric lifetime warranty". Therefore, we are definitely confident in technology. The polymer solid state you just mentioned We have taken the lead in using batteries in SAIC’s Zhiji Automobile this year, and we will consider using them in MG next year. We want the Chinese to once again lead the world in batteries. This is what we think and do, so we can truly create value and experience for users.