MG Motor Weighing Return to US With New Sports Car
The name MG is not new to the United States, but the brand hasn’t sold cars here for some time, though that might be set to change.
British-based MG Motors is now owned by Chinese firm SAIC, and is currently designing new vehicles that will launch first in the Chinese market. In its long term goals, MG wants to eventually return to the United States market with an all-new small sports car.
A crossover will be the brand’s first product to go on sale, but work on a sports car model is also underway. The 2012 MG Icon Concept (seen above) will be the starting point for the sports car’s design. However, before a sports car is developed, MG wants to put out a range of consumer friendly models.
So if you are awaiting MG’s return to the US market, don’t hold you breath. If it does happen, it looks like it will be some time before the brand is ready to make the jump.
According to MG, a new sports car is not yet officially in the plans.
[Source: Edmunds]
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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@Perry F. Burns. Agree. Here is the sports car concept: https://goo.gl/S9kuzp although the article suggests US entry unlikely. The sector is already busy with established German (boring) brands, Jaguar offer beautiful well engineered options and the cheaper but fun Toyota / Subaru BRZ hits the spot for the general buyer. https://goo.gl/kZ5YNb. MG's proposed 'electric' or 'hybrid' option wont be enough to raise it above these with the current stigma attached to Chinese manufacture - people are pretty snobby when spending $50,000+ for a high end sports car. They should stick to the original MG formula - a sports car for the masses and go the BRZ / Mazda Miata route - affordable fun, nothing too complex. At least until sales, manufacturing consistency and reputation are established. Subaru managed to crossover in the 80's coming from a farming / utility vehicles foundation - no reason a Chinese brand cannot do the same today.
More pictures of the English release ZS SUV - doesnt look quite as sexy in the flesh. Reminiscent of Nissan QASHQAI / Hyundai TUCSON - both tough acts to follow in this sector. I've driven the QASHQAI over several days and it was quiet, frugal and had surprisingly good pickup on most roads (except fully loaded on hills) - I would have happily made this my family school runner, the only downside being the small boot space in what appears to be a rather large vehicle from the outside - balance of providing good legroom for the rear passengers I guess. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/be450f4a5b09243e08939fa1d1819d414862abb653e28c282420debd09a1fefd.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/652c6e0cebc1c65e2442f2b78858f1775b86ac2ad8255f3d41033c79ed9a6aa3.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/cb6029ea1b2552e29b28801caca6663ace7eeb996152e30083cc0b35375f8514.jpg