306 MG Motor SUVs Come Together To Form Asia’s Largest ‘Carkalam’ in Kochi
On 25 August, the lawns of Grand Hyatt Bolgatty in Kochi became the site of a large-scale vehicle formation. MG Motor India, now part of the JSW Group, arranged 306 of its electric SUVs and crossovers, including the ZS EV and Astor, in a semicircle. The pattern, inspired by Kerala’s Onam Pookalam tradition, was billed as Asia’s largest “Carkalam.
The display was straightforward but required planning. Vehicles were guided by markers to create layered arcs, visible even from the nearby waterways. Dealers, employees, and some customers were involved in placing the cars.
The effort was more about demonstrating reach and participation than theatrics, connecting MG’s name with a cultural event. Kerala is one of MG Motor's biggest markets in India, especially for its electric cars. So, it's only fitting that MG chose to do the CarKalam in the run up to Kerala's biggest festival - Onam
Offers Tied to the Event
The formation coincided with a set of sales offers. Under the Onam Avahanam campaign, MG promoted discounts, finance schemes, and exchange benefits on models like the Hector, Gloster, Astor, Comet, and ZS EV.
Company data shows higher footfalls and stronger sales activity during the month compared to the previous year. Traditionally, Onam is a big car buying season in Kerala, and this is the time when car buying is generally at its peak in the southern state.
Kerala is a small but visible market for MG, with about 40 dealerships and 60 service points. The brand says it can reach most parts of the state and claims faster service times, including roadside support.
Linking EVs with Local Buyers
Electric vehicle adoption in Kerala is still limited. Buyers often cite charging access and range as concerns. MG appears to be using cultural platforms to make EVs more familiar. The new MG SELECT experience centre in Kochi offers test drives and workshops to encourage interest.
While other brands have held promotions and events, MG’s approach stands out mainly because of its scale. A large vehicle formation is unusual and draws attention without relying on exaggerated claims.
Beyond the Formation
The Carkalam is not an end in itself. For MG, the bigger task is converting interest into regular EV sales. Infrastructure gaps and price sensitivity remain barriers. Still, the event shows a willingness to try different ways to keep the brand visible.
By keeping the focus on participation and familiarity rather than slogans, MG’s activity in Kochi is another example of automakers testing new ideas to connect with buyers. Whether such efforts lead to long-term adoption will depend on how quickly the market matures and how consistently brands follow through after the festival season.
For now though, MG Motor must be appreciated for going the extra mile and trying to establish a better connect with local customers by honouring festive sentiments.