MG Motor's ZS launch in January; Hector bookings to re-open soon

Even as it scaled-up production for an eventual re-opening of SUV Hector bookings, MG Motor has been busy preparing for the launch of electric compact SUV -- ZS -- slated for next year. Interestingly, amid the ongoing slowdown that has gripped the auto sector, the company has steadily ramped-up production to 3,000 units of Hector at its manufacturing facility in Gujarat.

"We will be producing 3,000 units of Hector in September and then stabilise it at that level for a couple of months," Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India told IANS. "We have produced 1,500 units in July and 2,000 units in August. Re-opening of bookings depend on our delivery target."
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When asked about the possibility of re-opening bookings during the festive season, Chaba replied: "That might happen." The company`s first product Hector`s bookings were temporarily suspended, as the auto manufacturer had received 28,000 bookings. On the company`s first electric offering -- ZS -- Chaba revealed that the globally sold vehicle is slated to be launched in January.

The ZS will be one of the first locally-produced global EVs in India. However, its battery will be imported from CATL. MG Motor India which is the subsidiary SAIC will depend on its Group`s globally successful strategy of bulk purchase of batteries from CATL, which is one of the world`s largest producers of lithium-ion batteries.

Nonetheless, depending on demand, the company may consider to assemble battery packages in India in association with CATL. "We might consider assembling CATL battery packages in India. But everything depends on demand. We have a global tie-up with CATL," Chaba said. The compact SUV ZS EV will have a full-sized boot and room for five. In order to create a hype, the company plans to deploy a limited number of ZS EV in India, even before the car`s official launch.

As per plans, the company will deploy a limited number of ZS EV units for giving select customers a unique experience ahead of launch. Furthermore, the automaker`s fast-charging infrastructure at limited locations will be in place by October. MG Motor India has made an investment of Rs 2,200 crore at its plant and has installed an all-new assembly line.