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THREE Holden dealers in Victoria have become the latest to take on MG franchises as the Holden brand wilts and conflict between parent GM and franchisees intensifies.

The dealerships in Elsternwick, Mildura and Mornington are three of a total of five new businesses to this week take up the MG brand, bringing the national network to 57 dealers. MG now has 14 dealerships in Victoria with sales, service and aftersales.

Brighton MG, operating on Nepean Highway in Elsternwick, is part of the Tony White Group. It is listed as a Holden service and parts outlet but previously traded as a new-car Holden franchise.

The three Holden dealers have opened for business while the other two – Bendigo MG and Ken Muston MG in Shepparton – will open later this month.

It comes as MG posted a 62.5 per cent growth in year-to-date figures ending May 31. It has sold 4394 cars in the five months. Only six brands have posted positive YTD figures this year, with MG the most successful based on growth and number of sales.

MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao said: “We’ve been working hard to ensure we best support our trusted dealer partners.”

“We look with optimism to the future ahead which includes the range topping MG HS still to come this year, as well as our exciting all-electric ZS EV arriving in Q4 2020.

“We’re excited to bring our new and trusted dealer partners on the MG journey as we continue to grow in this market.”

In April, MG Motor told GoAutoNews Premium that it was being approached by Holden dealers.

A spokesperson for the brand said: “We’re continuously looking to expand and have had conversations with potential partners in various regions.

“Our strategy remains steadfast in working with dealers who resonate with our entrepreneurial spirit, and share our mindset of excellent customer service, sales and aftersales care.

“Since launch in both Australia and New Zealand, we have strived to work with trusted dealer partners who can provide our customers with the best possible care.”

Ateco Automotive, which includes China’s LDV in its stable, said it had also been approached by some Holden dealers but had not made any decision and was not actively pursuing new outlets.

By Neil Dowling

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