China’s MG hit by stock shortages for first time, but more cars are on the way

Chinese automotive juggernaut MG has largely been unaffected by stock shortages throughout the pandemic – until now. After a sustained period of record growth in Australia, MG is now poised for a bump in the road.

One of the fastest-growing car companies in Australia – Chinese automotive giant MG – is about to hit a speed bump.

MG has largely been unaffected by chronic stock shortages that have crippled the global automotive industry, however MG Australia is expected to report a dip in sales in April 2022 – after increasing month-on-month so far this year – ahead of a sharp downturn in June.

At last count, MG was the seventh-biggest car brand in Australia according to sales rankings. And MG has posted sales increases every month this year compared to last year.

However, preliminary figures show MG will report approximately 4000 vehicles as sold in May when official data is released tomorrow.

While this is an increase compared to the same month last year (when 3500 MG vehicles were reported as sold), it is the first time sales have declined from month-to-month so far in 2022.

MG dealers have been advised to expect a drop in vehicle supply in June – historically the biggest month of the year for new-car sales – but were told help is on the way in July.

This interruption to vehicle supply means MG customers may need to wait between four and eight weeks to take delivery. This compares to waiting times of three to 12 months for most other major automotive brands.

A statement from MG Australia to Drive said: “MG remains on-track to receive significant shipments of stock in the coming months across our range of vehicles in Australia and New Zealand. Almost 7000 vehicles are expected to arrive in July.”

“We are working closely with our supply chain to resolve any bottlenecks and minimise the impact of any delays on customer orders wherever possible.

“Due to global supply chain issues, some of our vehicle arrival dates may be delayed later than originally estimated at the time of order. MG Motor Australia is currently working hard with our parent company to reduce this delay to an absolute minimum.

“As disruptions to global supply chains ease, we will aim to increase output at our manufacturing facilities in an ongoing effort to meet our increasing customer demand.”

As is the case with most car companies, MG says it is “difficult to predict exactly how long it will take for all bottlenecks to be cleared”.

“Please be assured we are doing our utmost to ensure as little as a delay as possible,” the statement from MG Australia continued.

Many new cars reported as sold across the industry today were in fact ordered months ago, or even last year.

MG Australia says customers are continuing to place a record number of orders so any dip in the reported sales numbers is a reflection of restricted supply rather than a drop in demand.

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