{
  "id": 19916044,
  "title": "PODCAST: MG bakkie latest to join Chinese revolution in Mzansi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/podcast-mg-bakkie-latest-to-join-chinese-revolution-in-mzansi",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-14T03:35:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/mg-bakkie-approved-for-south-africa-podcast/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a developing trend, Chinese automobile manufacturers are rapidly expanding their presence in the South African market, now venturing into the bakkie segment. The latest brand to join this revolution is MG, a Chinese-owned British company. MG has announced the arrival of two new bakkies next year, bringing a fresh option to the local market alongside the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max. Although the MG bakkies won't challenge the popularity of these established brands, they hold the potential to introduce something unique to the table.\n\nThis week's episode of the Pitstop podcast delves into the specific MG bakkie models South Africans can anticipate, as well as their potential impact on LDV, another brand under the ownership of MG's parent company, SAIC Motor. LDV was introduced to the South African market in 2024 but has yet to make a significant mark in terms of sales. The MG bakkies, however, will differ from LDV's offerings as they will only be available as double cabs. The two models to be launched in South Africa are the U7 and the U9.\n\nThe U7 will be a rebranded version of the recently launched LDV T60 Max in Australia. The reconfigured T60 Max, which has been introduced to Australia, will retain the same dimensions, exterior design, and powertrain as its LDV counterpart, with only the MG logo replacing the LDV badges. Both trim levels of the LDV T60 Max - Pro and Luxe - are equipped with a 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine producing 164kW of power and 520Nm of torque. This engine powers all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The standard features include a locking rear differential, a locking front differential on the Luxe, and a towing capacity of 3,500kg.\n\nThe U9 will make its Australian debut later this year, similar to its LDV counterpart. Apart from the MG branding, the U9 shares dimensions, exterior design, and powertrain with the LDV Terron 9. The market for bakkies in South Africa is also witnessing the entry of other Chinese brands, including Foton, JAC, JMC, Changan, BYD, and GWM. Even Chery and Jetour are planning to join this trend.",
  "summary": "Incoming U7 and U9 double cabs are based on the LDV T60 Max and Terron 9.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}