Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), the Chinese automotive major, which is entering the Indian market through its subsidiary MG Motors, has announced that its first model introduction by July 2019 will be a connected SUV. SAIC, the leading automotive player by volumes in China, today announced plan to launch an ‘Internet SUV’ in India in the first half of 2019.

Speaking at the high-intensity MOVE Global Mobility Summit being organised by NITI Aayog in the national capital, SAIC president Chen Zhixin said the company will introduce its internet car in India in the first half of next calendar year. SAIC is known to be working on a Hyundai Creta-rivalling crossover, which will be introduced with a 2.0-litre diesel and a 1.8-litre petrol engine options with mild-hybrid technology.

Moreover, by 2020, MG Motor India, it's fully owned subsidiary also plans to invest over US$ 500 million (Rs 3,158 crore) in the country. The president also announced the launch of a global electric vehicle in India soon. The company displayed the MG ERX5 SUV at the summit with a claimed range of 425 kilometres. According to the company, the SUV can be fully charged within 45-60 minutes with use of a fast charger.

"The first product will be an Internet SUV, planned for launch in the first half of next year. By 2020, SAIC Motor plans to invest more than US$ 500 million in India. We had already established a supplier park at Halol in order to have a localised full-value-chain business system. Meanwhile, we have noticed that, Indian government is making efforts to develop new energy vehicles,” Zhixin said.

“SAIC Motor fully supports the government’s decision, and we are willing to take an active part in it, from the beginning. Here, I would like to announce that, in the near future, MG Motor India will launch globally-competitive pure electric vehicle products in India, to make our contribution to India’s energy and environmental strategies. Of course, the development of new energy vehicles needs the government’s strong support in terms of policies. We would like to work with all stakeholders including the Indian government, to promote the new energy vehicle industry in India. So, I would like to appeal to Indian government to make technology standards for electric vehicles as soon as possible, provide support and incentive policies, and accelerate the infrastructure construction, such as charging facilities.

“As part of our commitment to this market, MG Motor India will respond to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and bring our latest technologies, products and services to Indian customers; will always pay attention to safety, innovation, women empowerment,” Zhixin concluded.