New Sketches Reveal Future Design Direction for Classic British Marque
Now that Chinese automaker Nanjing Automotive Group, China's oldest car manufacturer, has purchased MG-Rover (see automotive news section
for Jul 24, 2005: Surprise Purchase of MG Rover by China's Nanjing Automotive), the British marque most North American sports car enthusiasts would like to see return to the U.S. and Canada may do so.
While Rover fans shouldn't hold their collective breath for a return of the poor-man's Jaguar, as Rover has long been referred to, being that there are a variety of more established European, Japanese and domestic luxury brands that would compete more effectively than the British brand if it were to try and set up shop on this side of the Atlantic, MG would have fewer rivals and a much more recognizable nameplate.
That also brings into question whether Rover is an essential ingredient to Nanjing's
plans to turn the debt laden British automaker around. The brand isn't exactly strong anywhere outside of the UK, and even there it has appeared to be dying a slow death.
MG, however, is not only more relevant to the North American market than Rover, but also more relevant globally. Therefore, Nanjing is working with GB Sports Car Company Ltd (GBSCC), along with existing advisors Arup Group and China Ventures Ltd, on a redeveloped range of MG models.
"I am delighted I will be at the hear of the development and implementation of a business plan that will produce long term skilled jobs at Longbridge and create a centre of excellence for sports car activities," commenting GBSCC managing director Fraser Welford-Winton.
Now that Chinese automaker Nanjing Automotive Group, China's oldest car manufacturer, has purchased MG-Rover (see automotive news section
 |
| Nanjing is working with GB Sports Car Company Ltd (GBSCC), along with existing advisors Arup Group and China Ventures Ltd, on a redeveloped range of MG models. (Photo: MG-Rover) |
While Rover fans shouldn't hold their collective breath for a return of the poor-man's Jaguar, as Rover has long been referred to, being that there are a variety of more established European, Japanese and domestic luxury brands that would compete more effectively than the British brand if it were to try and set up shop on this side of the Atlantic, MG would have fewer rivals and a much more recognizable nameplate.
That also brings into question whether Rover is an essential ingredient to Nanjing's
 |
| MG is not only more relevant to Nanjing's plans for the North American market than Rover, but also more relevant globally. (Photo: MG-Rover) |
MG, however, is not only more relevant to the North American market than Rover, but also more relevant globally. Therefore, Nanjing is working with GB Sports Car Company Ltd (GBSCC), along with existing advisors Arup Group and China Ventures Ltd, on a redeveloped range of MG models.
"I am delighted I will be at the hear of the development and implementation of a business plan that will produce long term skilled jobs at Longbridge and create a centre of excellence for sports car activities," commenting GBSCC managing director Fraser Welford-Winton.