Shanghai show: MG back into the fast lane

SAIC Motors unveiled two stunning new vehicles at this week’s Shanghai motor show – the MG6 Fastback, which looks set to herald a return of MG to western markets, including the UK, and the Roewe N1 concept, which is also destined for Europe.

Details of the two vehicles remain scarce, but it is understood that both were designed at SAIC facilities in China and the UK, and are built on the former Rover 75-derived ‘Roewe 550’ platform architecture for export to global markets as well as sale in China.

Spotted testing in Europe earlier this year, the current 550 sedan is also expected to be a member of SAIC’s new international brigade.

The N1 concept was developed in conjunction with Italian hi-tech components manufacturer Magnetti Marelli and features real-time traffic alerts, the latest digital navigational aids and a series of other ‘web2.0’ applications.

Not all of these features will make it into the production version, which overseas reports indicate should be released in China during 2010, with Europe to follow soon after.

SAIC bought the rights to the Rover 25 and 75 models in 2004, and also now owns MG rights-holder Nanjing Automotive.

The Chinese auto giant is understood to be developing a new small-car series, including a small sedan and a compact SUV, which will draw – to some extent – from the previous Rover 25.

SAIC differentiates between MG and the former Rover-based Roewe brand (which means “honour and prestige in Chinese) as follows: MG is all about “passion, personality and fun” while Roewe stands for “taste, science and technology”.

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