MG Motor UK appoints Andrew Stuart as head of sales

MG Motor UK has appointed former Volkswagen, Hyundai and Nissan franchised car retail specialist Andrew Stuart as its new head of sales.

Stuart takes up his post at the fast-growing, value-driven electric vehicle specialist during a period of rapid sales acceleration which had previously been led by previous head of sales Daniel Gregorious.

AM reported back in May how Gregorious lost a battle with pancreatic cancer after a six-month battle against the disease.

Stuart joins MG as the brand continues to set bold new growth plans and looks set to grow its franchised retail network to 150 sites by the end of 2021 – well above the 130 target initially set.

His CV includes 13 years in various roles with the Volkswagen Group and VW brand, a year as sales operation manager at Nissan and over two years as head of planning and Supply at Hyundai Motor UK.

In his new role at MG, Stuart will be responsible for sales performance, customer experience across retail and fleet channels and used cars, including MG’s EV models.

He said: “It’s a really exciting time to be joining MG Motor, with an engaged network and huge growth opportunities, not to mention our leadership in affordable EVs.

“I’m really looking forward to helping drive the business forward and to increase our market share – the MG brand has great product and huge potential.”

MG Motor UK commercial director, Guy Pigounakis, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew into the MG Motor team – he has a terrific automotive background and is the perfect fit for driving up volumes as we continue to increase our market share, especially in the EV sector.”

MG currently offers six models in the UK including three plug-in cars – the established MG ZS EV, the game-changing All New MG5 EV and MG HS Plug-in Hybrid, all backed up by MG’s incredible seven-year warranty and fast-developing dealer network.

This week the brand launched its new longer-range MG5 EV model.

The C-segment estate car claims a 250-mile range from its 61.1kWh battery and is priced from £26,495 after the Government's plug-in car grant (PiCG)..

Last year, MG's UK registrations rose by 41% against the backdrop of a market down 29.4% overall as retailers and OEMs battled the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Year-to-date to the end of June its registrations were up 76.24% at 13,594 (H1 2020: 7,712).