Chinese-made MGs to go on sale
MG cars are now being made by a Chinese firm
Friday, 24, Aug 2007 08:43
The first MG cars to be made in China will go on sale next month, as part of efforts by the Chinese to revive the iconic former British brand.
An official from the Nanjing Automobile group has revealed that 3,200 orders have already been received for the new model, with the requests made as a result of a road show last month.
"The MG brand is not well known in China, but many people who test-drove the car said they liked it," the unnamed official told the Reuters news agency.
Nanjing's MG unit will officially launch the MG7 series through nearly 50 dealers across the country next month, the company has confirmed.
According to press reports the new MG cars will be sold for between $23,000 (£11,482) and $40,000 (£20,000).
The global launch of the new MG models is expected later in the year.
Nanjing, which took control of the major assets of collapsed British firm MG Rover in 2005, is also said to be planning a tie-up with one of its Chinese rivals.
Analysts say that a deal between Nanjing and SAIC Motor would create a Chinese motor company that would be able to compete more effectively with other major car makers in the international market.
News of talks between the two Chinese companies sparked speculation last month that the production of vehicles based on former Rover models could resume at the Longbridge manufacturing plant in the Midlands if a deal is signed.