One further complication remains in the deal. Before Nanjing can start production of any MG-Rovers, it must strike a deal with SAIC. Since MG-Rover
 |
| Nanjing must strike a deal with SAIC, being that the intellectual property rights for the engines which currently power the Rover/MG 25/ZR and 75/ZT series' vehicles are owned by its Chinese rival. (Photo: MG-Rover Group) |
went into receivership this past April, the intellectual property rights for the engines which will power the 25/ZR and 75/ZT series vehicles are owned by SAIC. It is thought that the two Chinese brands will come to some sort of agreement. SAIC would like to obtain Powertrain Ltd., for its engine-development team, which could very well be traded for the rights to produce the necessary existing powerplants for MG Rover vehicles.
While the bid for MG-Rover attracted many potential buyers, when it came down to the wire only three serious bids were remaining. Nanjing managed to stave off SAIC and David James, the UK businessman which proposed Project Kimber as a revival plan for MG. Nanjing was able to take ownership as their bid was, "significantly higher than other offers, and it was also unconditional. SAIC had attached a number of
 |
| Nanjing managed to stave off rivals because their bid was significantly higher than other offers, and also unconditional. (Photo: MG-Rover Group) |
conditions and in the end, that is what drove the administrator to choose Nanjing," according to a spokesman for administrators, Price Waterhouse Cooper. It has been speculated that James' bid did not win as it only offered to purchase MG, or MG and Powertrain, excluding the Rover brand and all other business assets (R&D, factories, etc.) making it the least complete of the three bid offers.
While MG-Rover's days as a self-sustained carmaker are now over, the news that a new official owner has been selected means that the brand can continue to produce, and potentially develop vehicles. It has been long thought that the buyer of MG-Rover would help the brand return to its roots, as well as North America. There is an increasing demand for small, economical sporty cars, much like the original MGB and Triumph Spitfire and TR-series roadsters, and if Nanjing pitches a proper marketing plan it could spell the return of MG-Rover and the authentic, affordable British roadster to North America.
