SAIC launches 'Glocal' strategy to drive overseas growth

SAIC Motor unveiled its "Glocal Strategy" on Wednesday, vowing to strengthen its international presence by combining global reach with local adaptation.

The strategy, which the carmaker said starts the 3.0 phase of its global development, marks a shift from scale-driven growth to value-driven development, leveraging Chinese innovation to create tailored solutions for diverse markets, said the carmaker.

Over the next three years, SAIC Motor, the partner of Volkswagen and GM, will introduce 17 new models of different powertrains for international markets, including SUVs, sedans, MPVs, and pickups.

Under the new strategy, SAIC Motor is building local ecosystems to deliver region-specific intelligent and electric mobility solutions.

Its intelligent driving systems—including Level 2 features for both urban and highway environments—are being customized to local regulations in specific markets.

Since its first passenger car export in 2001 (phase1.0) and the opening of its Thailand plant in 2013 (phase 2.0), SAIC has steadily built a robust global presence.

By the end of 2024, its overseas vehicle deliveries surpassed 5.5 million units, with the company leading China's auto exports for eight consecutive years.

It has sold over one million vehicles abroad annually for the past three years, with developed European markets accounting for 25 percent of that volume.

SAIC has built a comprehensive international value chain across R&D, manufacturing, logistics, finance, and marketing in over 100 countries.

Its global network includes over 100 parts bases, 3,000 dealerships, innovation centers in London, the Silicon Valley, and Tel Aviv, and four major production hubs in Asia. It also operates China's first self-owned vehicle shipping fleet.

In Europe, SAIC is enhancing its presence with a new engineering center and expanding local operations.

In Southeast Asia, it plans new KD plants and deeper regional partnerships. Similar localization efforts are underway in Latin America, the Middle East, Oceania, and Africa.

SAIC's global ambitions are embodied in its MG brand. Since acquiring MG in 2007, SAIC has transformed it into a modern, global nameplate.

The MG4 EV, launched in 2022, became China's first true "global EV". To date, MG has sold over 5 million vehicles worldwide and ranks among the top ten best-selling brands in more than 20 countries.