An “English tradition beating with the heart of an Asian dragon” is how one Mexican automotive journal described the impact of MG Motor Mexico in this country over the past four years.
Most British denizens — and many U.S. and Canadian auto enthusiasts — of advancing age will remember MG as the iconic sports car manufacturer, whose reasonably affordable 1960s and 70s roadsters were the Holy Grail of coolness for trendy types.
Like most of the generic U.K. automotive industry, MG became a casualty of labor disputes, lack of financing and the foreign competition that infected the sector in the late 20th century.
Founded in 1924, MG changed hands various times from the 1950s onwards, but always managing to survive as a niche product synonymous with classic British heritage. However, in 2005, after five decades of constant mismanagement, its final UK parent owners, the Rover Group, declared bankruptcy.
The company and iconic name was acquired by SAIC Motors, China’s largest, state-owned car manufacturer, which set about recreating MG as a viable mainstream global brand, focusing on economically-priced SUVs, sedans and compact cars.
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