New MG's in the US?

[mikeluscher159]

i know this is probably pushing it, but any idea's or rumor's that the new MG's will be sold here in america. It would be a hell of a 32 yr break, but the generation of ignorant people about mg's is over. any idea's?

[patpending]

I seem to recall that there is an issue with the US - e.g. type approval regs? The plan to make MGs in Ardmore, Oklahoma was never a goer, it seems. So while MGs are now on sale in around 30 countries and more are eagerly expecting them, I don't think the US is top of the list.

Maybe when there is a new sportscar (current MGs are all sedans/hatchbacks)

[PatrickT]

SAIC will doubtless take on America once they have succeeded in Europe.

Don't forget that they are the owner of 50% of GM's only seriously profitable arm, and are being tasked with making GM the next huge thing in India too. They even have a small, but strategic/political holding in GM.

My tip - Expect to see MGs cars sold in the USA through GM dealers within 10 years. GM may well end up being the official importer.

[mikeluscher159]

good info, i think once they "fettle" the TF, they will finally have a "ing Chris Geoffy" "A softtop british sports car in the grand tradition".

[patpending]

Originally Posted by mikeluscher159

good info, i think once they "fettle" the TF, they will finally have a "ing Chris Geoffy" "A softtop british sports car in the grand tradition".

yes, the (16- or) nine-year-old TF is now out of production so it would be the next sportscar they would be looking at. We know it is MG's intention to make one - which is likely to be technically quite different - but there seems to be nothing more concrete in the pipeline for the next couple of years.

[Stu]

The cost of getting a car approved in the US is very high and probably putting off SAIC. They would need to invest heavily in a dealership network as well.

There was talk of a tie up with General Motors for dealerships at one point, but not sure if that went anywhere or not.

[PatrickT]

Originally Posted by Stu

They would need to invest heavily in a dealership network as well.

SAIC may currently only own around 1% of GM, but since SAIC is responsible for most of GM's profit GM needs SAIC. When SAIC is ready to sell MG or Roewe cars in the USA it will tell GM it needs dealers and GM will respond with "How many?"

[SteveChilds]

Originally Posted by Stu

The cost of getting a car approved in the US is very high and probably putting off SAIC. They would need to invest heavily in a dealership network as well.

There was talk of a tie up with General Motors for dealerships at one point, but not sure if that went anywhere or not.

They will more than likely want a complete new model range before they tackle the USA, from Small car to SUV plus a couple of sportscars too.

I'd have thought they would also look to build them over there too, so all in all, its a massive investment and something tbh, I can't see them doing for some years.