Shanghai-based SAIC is the largest of China’s state-owned car manufacturers, having scaled up within the world’s largest single market. It’s already a top 10 manufacturer by volume, responsible for making some five million vehicles, including brands like MG, Maxus and Roewe. And it’s now launched itself on the world stage.

SAIC’s government ties have made it a prime target for protectionists in America, and in Europe, where its cars attract the highest tariffs of all – over 45%. But it’s determined to be a big global exporter nevertheless. To get around the trade barriers, it's begun manufacturing outside of China. For instance, a new MG plant in Thailand will source at least 40% of parts locally, so its output is technically Thai and not Chinese. There will be factories in Europe too. Meanwhile, SAIC enables Western companies GM and Volkswagen to sell their products in China through joint ventures there.

As for the cars themselves, they’re usually electric but highly affordable, and they often undercut Western-made models. They benefit from China’s dominance of the battery industry. A new MG that’s hitting the forecourts this year features a partly solid-state battery that's both lighter and more powerful than the conventional lithium-ion version and could offer a range of up to 1,000km (621m).

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