Chinese-Thai joint venture SAIC Motor-CP Co, has announced plans to focus more on the Internet of Things (IoT) for MG cars to add more value-added features amid a competitive local market.
Yesterday, the company introduced the i-Smart connectivity system with a driver-behaviour learning capability, a second digital platform after the inkaNet, an intelligent safety telematics communication system via mobile phone launched in June 2015.
Pongsak Lertrudeewattanavong, vice-president for distribution at the company's subsidiary MG Sales Thailand, said the i-Smart is the world's first Thai language voice command integrated in MG cars.
"It is another milestone for SAIC Motor-CP in enhancing disruptive technology for vehicles and it will be a benefit to MG customers," he said. "Both inkaNet and i-Smart are digital platforms developed by the Shanghai-based parent firm and Thailand is the second country for these IoT of vehicles after China."
Mr Pongsak added both digital platforms would be utilised in parallel in new MG cars sold in Thailand, with the i-Smart to be launched in November. The digital platforms would create more competitiveness in the Thai car market, which has many players, led by the Japanese, he said.
MG Sales Thailand aims to be among the five leading car brands in Thailand by 2020, up from No.10 now in terms of market share for mass brands.
"MG has about 20,000 accumulated cars sold in our fourth year of running the business here, and we aim to achieve a market share 5% next year, up from around 1-2% now."
In 2017, Mr Pongsak expects car sales to reach 16,000, double last year's. From January to August, it sold 7,465 cars, up 42% on year. MG showrooms and service centres will be increased to 80 by year-end, from 70 currently.
Founded in 2012, SAIC Motor-CP is a 51:49 joint venture between Shanghai-based SAIC Motor and Thai agribusiness conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group.
The company's Rayong plant began operations in June 2014. Since then MG cars have been sold locally.
SAIC Motor-CP announced last year plans to build a second plant with 700,000 square metres to handle assembly processes under one roof, making up to 300,000 vehicles a year.