IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON OF Friday 12th of May, the SAIC owned car carrier Viking Emerald came straight from Shanghai with no stops and docked at Port Kembla, south of Sydney, with a very special cargo on board for Aussies waiting to jump into their new MG.
Packed with over 3100 new MG Motor hatchback and SUVs, the arrival represents the first time that MG Motor Australia has filled an entire ship’s manifest with its own vehicles and no stops.
The shipment includes the highly anticipated ZS EV Long Range, Australia’s best-selling light hatchback, the MG3 as well as leading SUV models the HS Plus EV and ZST. The mass arrival of MG Motor vehicles represents part of a larger allocation of approximately 25,000 new MGs that have arrived in Australia since the beginning of this year (2023).
Harnessing the resources of the parent company, SAIC group has meant MG Motor Australia can continue to ensure Aussies can get behind the wheel of an MG quickly and safely.
MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao said: “We have worked hard with our SAIC family to support our Australian dealers and their customers with this shipment. The Viking Emerald sparkled because it is carrying a full load of MG vehicles.”
“Time and time again, we see people feeling overwhelmed because of the pressures that they face as part of modern life. The least I can do is show how much we care and say thank you by delivering their car as soon as possible.”
“Australian new car buyers appreciate value and choice, and we are grateful for our customers’ continued support so we are doing our best to support them.”
“We have many exciting plans for Australia in the near future for electric vehicles, starting with the official launch and deliveries of the MG4 this year.”
“MG Motor Australia understands, acknowledges and respects the importance of biosecurity measures to ensure the longevity and safety of Australia’s environment and ecosystem.”
“MG Motor Australia is committed to supporting Australia’s biosecurity measures and have invested and refined the steps we take both offshore and locally to ensure our cars are thoroughly cleaned prior to arriving in Australia, with our dealers and customers being rewarded with faster delivery times as a result.”
Safety is always paramount for MG, with that extending beyond behind the wheel to support Australia’s environment. Key to this is working closely with partners such as Australian Amalgamated Terminals (AAT) and the Department of Agriculture to ensure the quick processing and cleaning of newly delivered vehicles.
AAT Port Kembla Terminal Manager Evan Wissel said: “Australian Amalgamated Terminals Port Kembla has always been regarded as the “AAA” quarantine cleaning facility in Australia for vehicles. The biggest challenge of 2023 has been the amount of cars needing to have biosecurity hazards cleaned. To date 16,631 cars have been held, successfully cleaned and cleared of contamination which has further cemented AAT Port Kembla’s reputation as an experienced and highly capable organisation holding Approved Arrangements with the Department of Agriculture for dealing with biohazards.”
“AAT welcomes MG as a regular calling customer to our terminals and congratulate MG on their growth, export process refinement and improvement of import presentation of its vehicles.”