Exclusive: MG hits back at Chery’s bold Super Hybrid claims

MG Australia has become the latest carmaker to weigh in on the controversial origins of the ‘Super Hybrid’ name, following claims from Chery that other brands were “copying” the name of its technology.

As exclusively reported by carsales last week, a high-ranking executive from Chery Australia claims the company commandeered the ‘Super Hybrid’ name for its latest plug-in hybrid system over 12 months ago in Europe.

When asked if it was a case of Chinese manufacturers banding together to deliver a new wave of PHEV technology, Lucas Harris, the chief operating officer of Chery Australia, put it bluntly and told carsales: “No, they’re copying us… 100 per cent they are”.

This week, the general manager of BYD Australia, Win You, lashed out with a profanity-laced post on LinkedIn – which has since been taken down – describing the Chery COO’s words as “f***”.

“Emmmmm, very interesting!” You said.

“They are very lucky, by internal rules, we cannot negatively comment other brands, however, I need to say, this gentlemen’s words are F***!”.

Now, MG Motor Australia has had its say on what’s become a very public spat, exclusively telling carsales it “welcomes healthy competition and innovation in the rapidly evolving electrified vehicle market”.

In a written statement issued to carsales, a company spokesperson said:

“In light of recent commentary suggesting the replication of ‘Super Hybrid’ technology, MG would like to clarify the following: ‘Super Hybrid’ is not a proprietary term; it’s a widely adopted phrase across the global automotive industry to describe advanced plug-in hybrid systems offering extended EV range and intelligent energy management.

“MG’s HS Super Hybrid is the result of years of engineering refinement and local testing, ensuring Australian drivers receive a vehicle that is not only powerful and efficient but also tailored to our roads and expectations.”

The term ‘Super Hybrid’ is yet to be trademarked in Australia, though several applications are currently pending.

MG’s parent company, SAIC Motor, has a pending submission for the ‘Super Hybrid’ name filed on March 19, while Chery filed a trademark application for the term ‘Super Hybrid System’ a few months later on April 30.

Both trademark applications are currently listed as ‘under examination’ on the federal government’s IP database.

carsales also reached out to Geely – another Chinese manufacturer due to launch its Starray EM-i Super Hybrid in the coming months.

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