MG Hector SUV stops bookings in India after 21,000 in a month

• Even as the Indian auto industry is facing a massive slowdown, new entrant MG Hector has managed to rake in 21,000 bookings.
• The carmaker has now closed bookings temporarily as it can’t handle the initial high demand.
• Its bookings had opened on June 4.

Barely a month since its launch, MG Hector has sold out its stock in India, and temporarily closed bookings as it is unable to handle the high demand.

The carmaker has received more than 21,000 bookings for MG Hector since June 4. It is touted to be India’s first internet car, as per company claims.

“Our first product, MG HECTOR, has received an overwhelming response and we are unable to cater to such high initial demand. We are, therefore, closing bookings temporarily as this will help ensure timely and orderly deliveries for our customers who have shown tremendous confidence in MG. We are also working with our component suppliers to ramp up production in a gradual manner without any compromise on quality,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & MD, MG Motor India.

The date of re-opening of bookings will be announced soon.

According to the company, it plans to increase production for the Hector at its Halol manufacturing facility in Gujarat by 3000 units per month. The top 2 variants – Smart and Sharp – have registered the highest demand, with over 50% reservations for the petrol variants.

Interestingly, these bookings came at a time when India’s auto industry is facing tough times with sales slowdown, and subsequent production cuts by large automakers. Moreso, many dealerships too have closed down across the country.

The British company which is now owned by Chinese SIAC however marked a spectacular debut in the India market, in spite of its headwinds. It entered the India automobile market with a mid-size SUV, MG Hector.

In June, MG Motors launched its flagship store in Gurugram, along with a network of 120 centers across the country. The manufacturer plans to increase it to 250 centers by September this year.