MG Rover-News

[Angus]

INTERVIEW - MG Cars to Hit Europe in Second Half

Reuters, Mon Apr 2, 2007

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Nanjing Automobile Group intends to start exporting its China-made MG cars to Europe in the second half of this year as it revives the iconic British brand, a senior executive said.

The company is setting up sales teams in Europe and British Commonwealth countries, such as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where the MG brand is still a household name, said Zhang Xin, general manager of the Nanjing Auto unit making the cars.

Overseas sales may account for half or more of global sales of MG cars in the first few years, he said in a telephone interview late on Saturday from the state-owned company's headquarters in the eastern city of Nanjing.

Previously, the company had not revealed when it would start exporting MG cars from China, but Zhang said Nanjing Auto was encouraged by the response of foreign dealers and car enthusiasts to its first models.

"Many MG dealers have expressed strong interest after seeing the made-in-China models, as they look the same as the ones at home," he said.

Nanjing Auto, which took control of assets of collapsed MG Rover in 2005, began rolling MG sports cars and saloons off its Chinese production line last Tuesday -- the first MG cars to be produced in two years.

Production at the former MG Rover plant at Longbridge in central England may restart in April or May, and Nanjing Auto may also make MG cars in a $2 billion project in the U.S. state of Oklahoma, though a final decision has not been made. 

Exports of MG components from China began in June 2006 to supply the 4 million MG Rover owners worldwide, and global demand for spare parts could top 30 million pounds ($59 million) over the next five years, Zhang said.

Nanjing Auto, a medium-sized vehicle maker that began life as a military garage in 1947, has said it aims eventually to sell 200,000 MG cars worldwide every year.

It surprised the industry when it outbid China's biggest car maker, SAIC Motor Corp., to win the MG brand in 2005, paying 53 million pounds ($104 million) for the assets of MG Rover after the British firm collapsed with debts of 1.4 billion pounds.

The acquisition underlined the hunger of Chinese auto makers to produce higher-end models and expand into developed markets.

China became a net automobile exporter for the first time in 2005 and its 2006 exports nearly doubled to 300,000 vehicles. But Chinese companies have so far had little success in making volume sales to major, developed markets.

Nanjing Auto expects China to become its single biggest market for the MG marque. Creating a following for the brand in China is likely to be a challenge, but the company wants to use MG to move into the high end of the country's rapidly expanding auto market.

Domestic sales may be small at the beginning, but will grow as more Chinese drivers are exposed to the brand, Zhang said.

"We need to work hard to cultivate the market. But I believe that a few years down the road, we will have just as many die-hard MG fans (in China) as elsewhere, if not more."


Aus dem Inhalt:
In der zweiten Jahrehälfte will NAC-MG damit beginnen, MG-Fahrzeuge in Europa und den Staaten des British Commonwealth (Neuseeland, Australien, Südafrika). Die Festlegung von Vertriebsstrukturen läuft bereits. Viele Händler hätten ein starkes Interesse gezeigt, nachdem sie die in China gefertigten MG-Modelle gesehen haben.

[Angus]

Chinese MGs ready

Is the famous name readying itself for a comeback?

It could be - after Nanjing Automobile Group revealed ambitious plans to launch four MG models, including a completely new saloon and hatchback.

The Chinese maker has already assembled a handful of TF roadsters at the Longbridge factory in the West Midlands, and will start full production in May. Initially, the two-seater drop-top will be offered to British buyers only. And if it proves success­ful, Europe-wide sales could begin towards the end of the year.

There is already a Chinese-built version of the old Rover 75 and MG ZT four-door, called the MG7. It will go head-to-head with the forthcom­ing Roewe 750 produced by rival brand SAIC. By the autumn, motorists will get their first glimpse of the MG3 - which is set to be a replacement for the ZR hatchback.

Company sources tell us the car is expected to be a big seller, with bosses hoping to shift more than 65,000 examples a year. The range will be completed in early 2008 by the arrival of the MG5 compact sal­oon. Not much is known about this model, but it's set to replace the ZS and could be based on a shortened version of the MG7 platform.

Auto Express,  31st March 2007


Aus dem Inhalt:
NAC-MG sieht vor, insgesamt 4 MG-Modelle einzuführen, darunter eine völlig neuentwickelte Limousine und ein Schrägheckmodell.
Im Herbst soll der MG3 vorgestellt werden, der komplett neue Nachfolger des 25/ZR. Interne Unternehmensquellen ließen verlauten, dass der MG3 als Verkaufsschlager erwartet wird. Man hofft, von diesem Modell 65.000 pro Jahr herzustellen.
Anfang 2008 soll die komplette Modellpalette geboten werden, wenn der MG5 -eine neue Kompakt-Limousine als Nachfolger des 45/ZS- vorgestellt wird. Der MG5 basiert auf einer gekürzten MG7-Plattform (75/ZT).

[Angus]

Nachdem die Internetpräsenz der MG Rover Deutschland GmbH seit geraumer Zeit bereits praktisch down ist, wurde nun die Seite der MG Rover Group wohl endgültig ebenfalls entfernt. Stattdessen wird auf der gleichen URL (www.mg-rover.com) in kürze die Homepage von MG entstehen, wie bereits darauf hingewiesen wird.

Offizielle Anschrift:

NAC MG (UK) Limited
International Headquarters
Longbridge, Birmingham

Es tut sich was!  :)

[baueran]

Some news:

05.04.2007
Nanjing reports MG dealer progress

06.04.2007
Nanjing Auto seeks backers for MG car project

Interessant sind auch die in diesem Artikel verwendeten Modell-Bezeichnungen

• MG 7275 sedan (longer-wheelbase version - Version mit längerem Radstand)
• MG 7295
• MG TF sports car

[baueran]

Some news again:

15.04.2007
Nanjing unveils MG sports car plan

16.04.2007
MG establishes dedicated ad agency to support re-launch

16.04.2007
Nanjing plans UK MG production boost

[Angus]

MG auf der International Shanghai Auto Show

Ich denke diese Bilder lassen die Herzen echter MGR-Fans nun endgültig höher schlagen!

























Ich wüsste nicht, dass ein MG jemals zuvor eine Ehrengarde bekommen hätte... 

[Angus]

Nur mal zur Info, dass man auch in Deutschland davon hört, hier aus dem Onlinenagbeot der Auto Bild.
Die Qualität des letzten Kommentars ist zweifelhaft aber das kennen wir ja...

[Angus]

MG ZS platform right through negociation with Honda or redevelopment

Even though NAC has the equipment to build the MG ZS, the issue of intellectual right over the platform is still tied with Honda. Rob Oldaker expressed that they are currently negociating with Honda for permission to build the MG ZS.

The Product Technical Director Ng Ming, said they would design a new car based around the ZS platform to get around the bits and parts bound by the intellectual rights, if the negociation with Honda did not succeed.

www.cnstock.com, April 2007

Aus dem Inhalt:
NAC-MG will mit Honda über die Rechte am 45/ZS verhandeln. Die Produktionsmaschinerien für den Wagen besitzen sie bereits. Auf der 45/ZS-Plattform soll ein neuer Wagen entstehen (bzw. diese soll auch weiterentwickelt werden).

[Angus]

MG Puts quality at top of agenda

With the MG project fast approaching its commercial launch in China, beyond its exciting new products the organisation has established a state of the art manufacturing facility in Nanjing with a sales and after-sales network designed to offer unrivalled customer satisfaction. A core element of MG's commitment to customer satisfaction is quality, and the company has placed enormous emphasis on delivering quality in all area of its business. 

Quality first

MG set a complete quality assurance system from the very beginning with the aim of achieving the highest quality standards in the world.

The 'QA' system began with strict selection of suppliers. MG has set up an international supply chain of parts, after consolidating the base of previous MG suppliers. At present, over 300 renowned automobile part suppliers have joined MG's supply chain. Among the suppliers, over 200 suppliers are domestic and over 90 are world leading suppliers from other countries. Over 80% of common parts and 100% of critical parts are from world leading suppliers such as ZF, Siemens, LEAR, Bosch, Delphi, Goodyear, Webasto and other industry leading companies. STADCO, the famous European supplier has entered a strategic cooperation agreement with MG to move its manufacturing base into the Changqiao base of the MG organization to ensure an efficient working relationship. These enterprises not only join to form a complete supply chain, but also contribute to the quality improvement of MG cars with each supplier's technical strengths.

The center of MG's quality system is TS16949, the highest worldwide standard for the industry, and 95% of the suppliers have to pass TS16949 certificating to ensure that parts quality is parallel with the industry leaders. MG also fully complies with EU directives on environmental protection. All MG parts meet requirements of 2000/53/EC effective since July 1, 2006 and other relevant requirements. MG has also adopted the most advanced processes to ensure its processes conform to the most stringent certification, such as China's 3C standard, TS16949 and E-mark, before entering the market. These standards will ensure that MG cars not only meet the expectations of Europe and North America, but also offer quality standards far in excess of what is expected by domestic Chinese consumers.

Additionally, MG has conducted hundreds of bench tests and road tests for both parts and entire vehicles and has developed proprietary technology and standards for engine calibration; with which MG has finished 213 calibration tests for 3 MG engines. The practice is rare in China and MG engines are designed to have class-leading performance and reliability characteristics in the Chinese market. The NV6 engine, a proprietary V6 engine, meets Europe III standards and can meet Euro IV without the need for fundamental change. The reliability of the NV6 has proven to be higher than previous MG test criteria, through 200 hours of rigorous full load test and 500 hours of variable power testing.

NAC MG inherited valuable previous MG technology having carried out extensive testing in Europe. MG established "road maps" on the basis of voluminous test data, ensuring that MG cars will be suitable for road conditions in all target markets. At present, parts and components manufactured by MG have been accepted as "meeting UK quality standards" in European markets and ss early as June 2006, MG started exporting parts to European markets which feature strict quality requirements. Indicators with respect to stamping, welding, painting and finished products equal or surpass previous MG standards. X-part, the buyer, is very happy with parts quality and has ordered four more batches with a desire to secure the long term importation of parts.

MG also works to a tight schedule for the supply of parts to its manufacturing base in Longbridge, England.  Batches of parts have already been shipped to UK through the supply chain and according to tests by VCA in the UK, the parts fully comply with all UK safety requirements. MG products offer world class quality which is assured by its complete quality assurance system, through strict selection of suppliers and high-standard tests.

mg-rover-org, April 2007

[Angus]

Nanjing plans to revive Streetwise

The new Chinese owner of MG is set to take the wraps off a jacked-up version of the old ZR, taking inspiration from the Rover Streetwise

By Ross Pinnock   26th April 2007

Nanjing will offer 3, 5 and 7-Series models based on the previous ZR, ZS and ZT ranges respectively, as well as a version of the sporty TF roadster.

According to sources within the company, the entry-level 3-Series will feature raised suspension and plastic body cladding to give it a butch off-road look - as our picture shows. The move has been prompted by the Jap¬anese market, where the sales charts suggest that customers prefer chunky exterior design such as this.

However, the model that will be offered in UK showrooms won't necessarily follow suit, and could go along more conventional, ZR-style lines. The original Streetwise was sold here bet¬ween 2003 and 2005. And although it had its critics, the hatchback's blend of a rugged, off-road design without the running costs associated with a genuine mud-plugger meant it was quite well received at the time.

Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the middle car in the new Nanjing line-up. The 5-Series is the only model in the range which has yet to be seen, and this has led to speculation that it could take the form of an all-new design, rather than sit on the old MG ZS underpinnings to which the manu¬facturer owns the rights.

The company has already started to build its version of the TF in China, but production of UK cars is expected to commence at MG Rover's old Long¬bridge factory in the West Midlands at the beginning of June.


Based on Rover 25, 'on-roader' was axed in 2005 – but it could be about to return with MG badge

Auto Express News

[baueran]

Es gibt doch glatt Meinungen, nach denen eine Kooperation von NAC-MG und Roewe sinnvoll wäre. Zum Glück ist NAC-MG (noch) nicht dieser Meinung. Die Synergie-Effekte von Roewe nach NAC-MG kann man sich - zumindest beim Design - getrost sparen.

23.04.2007
Auto Shanghai 2007: MG Rover's New Owners SAIC and Nanjing Dominate — and May Cooperate

30.04.2007
Bitter battle of two auto siblings

[Angus]

Auto Express 

First Drive

NAC MG7

Test date 28 April 2007  Price when new  TBA

What is it?

This is the Nanjing MG7, one of two new Chinese-produced versions of the cars previously known as the MG ZT and Rover 75. The other is the Roewe 750.
The MG7 is built in China using a production line shipped over from Longbridge in the UK. It's been updated for the Chinese market, too, and fitted with revised versions of the K-series engine (now Euro4 emissions-compliant, apparently more durable and called N-series).

What's it like?

Reassuringly British. This is the same supple suspension, and these the same cossetting bucket seats we tried for the first time on the roads of Britain back in the middle of 1998. The car's manufacturing centre might have moved 8000 miles east and the people building it might be different in almost every way from the Cowley lineworkers who started it off, but this car is still close to the good old Rover 75/MG ZT in look, feel, image and quality.
NAC MG engineers have improved the MGZT without changing it much. The car has better-looking rear LED tail lights and new-style alloy wheels. The audio and heating/air conditioning systems are both updated, and there's a better sunroof assembly. As a result of a Lotus Engineering development programme, the engine range (now comprising a 1.8 160bhp petrol turbo and a 190bhp 2.5-litre petrol V6) can meet Euro4 emissions standards. It also gets a five-layer head gasket aimed at correcting the old K-series engine's best-known head-sealing fault. For now there's no diesel for the MG7.
Nanjing's new flagship comes in two wheelbases (MG7 and MG7L) and two equipment levels, Sport and Classic, which are distinguished by different bumpers and the fact that the Sport has a mesh grille while the Classic sticks to slats.
The Sport also gets stiffer suspension rates, though a European driver might not recognise them as such because every Shanghai auto executive you meet tells that that Chinese buyers like 'relaxed' suspension rates.
MG7 sales are just beginning in China (the first car is less than four weeks old) and NAC is still rather reluctant to reveal its domestic pricing. However, four-cylinder models seem to start around £14,000 with the top-spec V6 reaching upwards of £20,000.
Chinese buyers love 'toys', so MG7s come with rear-facing parking cameras and you can also get a neat, twin-screen DVD system for the rear.
Best of all, the MG7 has been refitted with the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) package that was removed, along with some cabin fittings, during a cost-cutting exercise called Project Drive in the darkest MG Rover days.
We're trying a freshly built MG7 1.8T. It's several years since I've driven a four-cylinder MG ZT, but this car seems notably quieter. The restored NVH pack helps, but the car's inherent mechanical refinement, always one of its best characteristics, still compares well with class leaders. The steering seems a little heavier around the straight-ahead than I remember, but it still has that fluidity that distinguishes BMW designs.
The ride is flat and well damped even with five passengers and luggage. The engine feels strong, the gearbox gate is well defined and the whole car retains that sub-Bentley feeling of durable luxury that made the 75 a good car. To my cursory inspection, the MG7's build quality looks fine, too.

Should I buy one?

If you live in China, yes. But while there are plans to restart production of the MG7 on the line that remains at Longbridge, it's unlikely to happen for a year or two, so British buyers won't get the chance.

[Angus]

Longbridge reopening date revealed

May 2 2007
 
The huge car plant at Longbridge is to officially reopen at the end of the month - two years after closing following the collapse of motor giant Rover, it was announced today.

A special ceremony will be held at the Birmingham plant on May 29 to mark the next phase in the re-starting of car production.

New owner Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC) is to build TF sports cars at the factory, with models due off the production line later this year.

Pre-production MG TF sports cars will be driven off the newly re-commissioned production line at Longbridge on May 29 as part of the ceremony.

Officials attending the event will include Mr Liang Baohua, Governor of Jiangsu Provincial Government, the home province of NAC.

Birmingham Post

[Spacecake]

History Update
(Quelle: http://www.austin-rover.co.uk):

Übersetzung aus dem englischen:
Es ist bekannt, dass Rover und China Brilliance in Gesprächen über eine Koproduktion der Entwicklung der nächsten Generation von Executive Cars waren, aber als  es ruhiger wurde und BMW sich dazwischen stürzte, wurde der Deal abgeblasen.

Dennoch, wenn man Erik van Ingen Schenau Glauben schenkt, ist ein ziemlich interessater "Rover 75" in China aufgetaucht, der das Huachen (oder Brilliance)-Logo trägt...



Die geplante China Brilliance-Rover Zusammenarbeit hätte zu einem interessanten Geschäftsmodell werden können: ein gemeinsames executive car und Fernostproduktion der 25 und 45 Modelllinien.
Da die Zusammenarbeit nicht wirklich fortschritt und es nicht mehr, als eine Presseerklärung gab, wurde das Projekt schlussendlich aufgegeben.


Wo ansonsten das Roverschiff sein sollte sitzt das Huachenmarkenzeichen - Details des vorgeschlagenen Vertrags müssen erstmal durchsickern, aber die Existenz dieses Wagens beweist das MGR eventuell Ambitionen hatte, die Modellreihen nach Osten zu erweitern.

Enthüllt auf dem Guangzhou commodity group' automobile trading Firmenstand auf der Chinese exhibition show, überraschte der 75-800 alle Zuschauer. Der Motor des Wagens war der 2,5l KV6 und abgesehen von den neuen Emblemen war alles identisch zu den europäischen 75s.

Allerding, gemäß einer Quelle die der Firma nahe steht, wurde der Wagen produziert, als MG Rover und China Brilliance in Verhandlungen standen und seine Rolle war die Chinesen zu locken und ein gemeinschaftliches Geschäft zu sichern. Eine andere Quelle bestätigt dies: "Dieses Auto war eines von zwei Dutzend Autos, die Brilliance Ende 2001 erhielt, um sie zu begutachten.

Sie waren komplett LHD export spezifizierte Rover 75s, die in Longbridge mit ein oder zwei Modifikationen gebaut wurden (z.B ein MG Nummernschildhaltersockel um das runde Brilliancelogo zu fassen, welches in China angebracht wurde).

MG Rover Angestellte flogen nach China mit dem Ziel CKD-Fertigung des 75 aufzubauen, die Produktion des 45 zu verlagern und die Produktion der 4-türigen Version des RDX60 zu beginnen - was der Plan war, bevor der Deal platzte.

Der Grund für den plötzlichen Rückzug von China Brilliance war der aufkommende Joint Venture Vertrag mit BMW. Im Vertrag zwischen BMW und Brillance steht klar und deutlich geschrieben, das es Brilliance Auto nicht erlaubt ist mit weiteren anderen Automiobilherstellern zusammen zu arbeiten.
BMW und Brilliance Auto kamen nur dazu sich kennenzulernen nach einem gescheiterten Joint Venture Versuch - dann besaß BMW Land Rover und JinBei, Teil der Brilliance Auto Group mit den Plänen den Land Rover Defender auf CKD Basis in Nord China zu produzieren.


Ein detaillierter Blick auf die Front. Einer von über 20 gebauten Brilliance 75-800.

[Micha]

Habe auch noch was zum Thema gefunden:

Set to reach UK shores in 2009, the compact family car was revealed by SAIC at the Shanghai Motor Show, and is the latest model to rise from the ashes of Rover.

Carrying SAIC's new Roewe badge - which we have already seen on a replacement for the Rover 75, known as the 750 - the company's latest model was displayed in the form of a concept car, called the W2.

The Focus rival - expected to be badged Roewe 450 when it appears on dealer forecourts - bears a close resemblance to the artist's impressions we showed you in Issue 949. Sticking to a four-door bodystyle with a chunky shape and a rising waistline, it has a distinctive look.

For the show model, SAIC's stylists have pulled out all the stops. They've added a new panoramic glass roof - which could become an option on the production version - metallic lilac paintwork and LED lights, all of which give the W2 real road presence.

The newcomer is the result of an Anglo-Chinese collaboration. Input has come from experts formerly employed by MG Rover working both for special engineering consultancy Ricardo 2010 in the UK and within SAIC in China, as well as from the manufacturer's own team in the Far East.

The W2 is the car that Rover would have launched to replace the ageing 45. It has been developed so quickly because SAIC has been able to carry on the work already started by the British company when it folded.

Under the skin, the model is based on a shortened version of the Rover 75 platform, and features a development of BMW's Z-axle system. Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels and with sus­pension tuned by ex-Rover and MG engineers, the W2 promises to provide a tempting blend of sporty handling and a comfortable ride.

Engine options will include a 1.8-litre turbo­charged petrol based on the Rover K Series powerplant. This delivers around 150bhp, while a 2.0-litre diesel - which complies with Euro IV emissions regulations - will provide a similar output. A hybrid drivetrain will also be offered, and all models are set to come with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

Inside, there's a two-tone dashboard made from tactile soft-touch materials. The quality of the finish is expected to rival that of mainstream European models, while the W2 gets some genuine design flair, such as the neat instrument binnacle, with its intricate dials. There's also a hi-tech touchscreen centre console for the audio, climate and sat-nav controls.

Although bosses are describing the newcomer as a concept, it's virtually showroom-ready. It's been des­igned to perform strongly in the latest Euro NCAP crash tests, including those for pedestrian protection. Production will begin at the end of this year, and it's scheduled to arrive in Europe in 2009, with prices starting from £14,500.

Quelle: Auto Express UK