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MG says it is going to deliver a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of its MG U9 dual-cab ute to Australian showrooms, giving the Chinese language model extra ammunition to tackle the top-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
“We have already got the plan. Center of 2027 is our plan,” stated MG Motor Australia boss Peter Ciao when requested about an MG U9 PHEV to tackle the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger PHEV.
The U9 was launched in Australia final month (September 2025), scorching on the heels of the carefully associated LDV Terron 9, with each MG and LDV being a part of Chinese language auto large SAIC.
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Each dual-cab utes, that are bigger than a Toyota HiLux however smaller than a full-size US pickup just like the Ram 1500, have been launched right here with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, eight-speed computerized and four-wheel drive.
In August, MG introduced a ¥10 million (A$2.13 billion) funding to launch 13 new fashions globally together with electrical autos (EVs), PHEVs and extended-range electrical autos (EREVs) “within the subsequent two years”.
Mr Ciao stated a PHEV model of the U9 will probably be a part of the product technique for Australia going ahead because the federal authorities’s New Automobile Effectivity Commonplace (NVES) begins to affect the mannequin ranges of auto manufacturers by way of progressively tightening CO2 emissions limits.
“Every mannequin has completely different CO2 credit, however I’ve an entire vary that I can stability,” Mr Ciao stated.
“We’ll develop PHEV to catch up and let clients make the choice sooner or later, whether or not it’s PHEV or diesel.”
The MG U9 will probably be one in all a number of extra Chinese language utes accessible with PHEV energy by 2027, and the JAC T9 will change into one in all them in early 2026.
The JAC T9 PHEV will include a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electrical motors, providing a mixed 385kW of energy and at least 1000Nm of torque.
That’s greater than any current PHEV dual-cab, with the Ranger making a mixed 207kW/697Nm, the Cannon Alpha 300kW/750Nm and Shark 6 321kW/650Nm.
Because the NVES was launched initially of this 12 months, a number of auto manufacturers have adjusted their Australian product lineups to fulfill the brand new CO2 laws, which can change into extra stringent between 2025 and 2029.
Ford Australia has upped the worth of the Mustang by $5000 throughout the vary, pointing to NVES as an element.
The Blue Oval model additionally elevated Ranger and Everest SUV costs by $250 throughout the vary in July, however didn’t cite NVES as a motive for the transfer.
The corporate has not confirmed whether or not the two.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine in each of these fashions – launched in 2018 – will probably be axed in 2026, given its CO2 emissions don’t meet NVES limits.
Within the Ranger XLT dual-cab, the twin-turbo diesel emits 189g/km of CO2, whereas the Ranger PHEV emits simply 66g/km – beneath 2029 restrict.
The Bi-Turbo engine was dropped from the Ranger bought within the UK earlier this 12 months on account of emissions laws.
MORE: Discover the MG U9 showroom
