Currently reading: MG relaunched – in Chile
MG launches new hatchback, it's first since going into administration in 2005

A new MG saloon has been launched, the first all-new product to wear the famous octagonal badge since MG Rover collapsed into administration in 2005. But for now, the MG 550 has only been introduced in the Chilean market. Behind the MG badge this is a Roewe 550, a car developed by Shanghai Automotive and based on a heavily modified Rover 75 platform. It has an all-new interior and is powered by an updated version of the familiar Rover K-series engine in 1.8-litre turbo form.

The MG branding has come about as a result of last year’s merger between SAIC and fellow Chinese manufacturer Nanjing, which acquired rights to the MG brand.One of the reasons Chinese authorities encouraged the two car makers to join up was because SAIC lacked a globally recognised brand for exports – something confirmed by the less-than-subtle application of MG logos to the 550.It’s likely that both the MG 550 and the 75-based MG 750 will be introduced to the European market, and may even be produced at Longbridge. The MG550 costs from 10.5 million Chilean Pesos - £9760 at current exchange rates.

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MG Writer 17 October 2008

Re: MG relaunched – in Chile

I tried posting but it seems to have got lost in the ether. Suffice to say this is a deal with a Spanish owned company to sell an MG badged version of the Chinese-market Roewe 550, which is not a hatchback but a saloon (a hatch may well follow, but the Chinese prefer their cars with boots).
TegTypeR 17 October 2008

Re: MG relaunched – in Chile

Now if that was the pricing in the UK.....

I guess it won't be though, considering the price we have to pay for the new old TF.

RobotBoogie 17 October 2008

Re: MG relaunched – in Chile

I take it back - there's at least a rolling chassis in the pics in the link, although I think it is fair to say that you can see why they've only issued drawings here.