MG Motor Middle East has announced a partnership between Jiad Modern Motors, the official distributor of MG in Saudi Arabia, and Hafil Transport Company, one of the Kingdom’s transport and mobility operators, to introduce the MG8 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) into taxi operations across the Makkah Taxi network.
The initial rollout will comprise 55 units, with a further 75 vehicles to follow the month after, bringing the total deployment to 130.
The vehicles will operate within the Makkah Taxi network, which is run by Hafil Transport – a company founded in 1999 that provides transportation services across cities and communities throughout Saudi Arabia.
MG8 Plug-In Hybrid enters Saudi taxi fleet in partnership with Hafil Transport
The agreement marks a step in expanding MG’s presence within Saudi Arabia’s taxi and public mobility sector, whilst supporting the brand’s broader New Energy Vehicle (NEV) strategy across the region.
The MG8 PHEV is a sedan built for continuous, high-intensity operation. Its plug-in hybrid system delivers a combined driving range of up to 1,655 kilometres, which the company says makes it suited to high-mileage taxi applications. The vehicle is designed to offer reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions, with battery technology built for performance across extended operating cycles and an optimised total cost of ownership for public mobility operators.
The deal between Jiad Modern Motors and Hafil Transport reflects the direction Saudi Arabia is taking as it advances its mobility infrastructure and sustainability targets. The deployment is positioned as a model that could be replicated for taxi and fleet opportunities across other markets in the Middle East.
“Jacky Xu, Managing Director of MG Motor Middle East, said: “This development represents an important milestone in MG’s regional journey, as we continue to expand into new mobility applications and segments. Our full range of NEV vehicles includes conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, BEV and EREV models, which we are ready to bring to the Middle East market according to the needs of our customers. The deployment of the MG8 PHEV in taxi operations demonstrates the strength of our electrified portfolio in meeting the demands of real-world usage, while supporting the broader transition towards more efficient and sustainable mobility solutions across the Middle East,” Jacky Xu, Managing Director of MG Motor Middle East said in a statement.
MG Motor Middle East’s portfolio spans conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and extended-range electric vehicles. The company says this Makkah deployment reinforces its position as a choice for fleet and public transport applications across the Gulf Cooperation Council, as demand grows for vehicles that combine operational efficiency, durability, and technology within the region’s mobility sector.
