MG-Rover fell from automotive grace when its life was ultimately extinguished in 2005, NAC and SAIC picked up the pieces, NAC took Longbridge and the MG brand, SAIC took the rights to the 25, and 75 models. SAIC takes the Rover 75 and makes the rather nice Roewe 750, only to buy the whole of NAC (and MG) later anyway. SAIC officials let loose their plans for the two brands today, they plan on keeping MG as a sports brand, and Roewe as a more business class type of brand.
Both brands, MG and Roewe are planning to launch cars this year. Roewe is planning to launch the Roewe 550 (possibly the worst Chinese secret car) and the Roewe 750 1.8t. MG plan on launching an MG7 Automatic (this will do wonders for their sales), the MG 3 Streetwise, and the MGTF. The Roewe 550 is expected to be a luxury compact car, but priced competively against the Skoda Octavia, VW Sagitar (Jetta), and Ford Focus type models. Officials from MG also mentioned that within 2 to 3 years, MG will launch a high class MINI type vehicle to compete with BMWs offering, China Car Times hopes that it MG might actually do a better job than BMW and their massive, yet claustrophobic, MINI.
Roewe hopes to launch the 750, 550, and a mysterious smaller car named the Roewe 350. China Car Times can only guess that the smaller model numbers indicate that Roewe might actually have a stab at making something in the small car/compact range - bigger than the MG3, but smaller than the Roewe 550? We cant wait to see it. Its also rumored that the Roewe 750 could eventually be smothered out and be replaced by future generation cars named 751/752 etc.
I suppose the 350 is the Rover 25, they have the rights and the drawings.
You think they would remake that? I thought they would at least use the platform and reskin it.
Well the MG crossover thing is the old 25 Streetwise and all they’ve done is fit new lights. PLus the chassis is so old that a reskin wouldn’t hide it’s failings!!