Autoblog Roewe

Roewe to get own version of Buick Regal

Dan Roth — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST

Even in the vehicle-hungry Chinese automobile market, there are winners and losers. SAIC has seen its passenger vehicle sales fall to just under 91,000 units for the first seven months of 2011. That's a two-percent drop versus 2010, and the company is making several moves to reverse that trend. Forty-five billion Yuan will be poured into research and development over the next four years, and the sales figure are also likely to get a shot in the arm from the July showroom debut of the Roewe W5, the first SUV for SAIC.

On the heels of the new W5 SUV, and joining other SAIC models like the Roewe sedans and several MG models will be a new midsize sedan that's based on the Buick Regal. Codenamed BP31, the new Roewe sedan will be yet another model to employ the widely-used General Motors Epsilon architecture. General Motors already works with SAIC building Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles, as well as Wuling vans. It's not going to stop with this sedan, either; there will be a total of nine new or redesigned vehicles rolling out between now and 2015.

Roewe to get own version of Buick Regal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: SAIC to sell new MG models through GM showrooms in UK

Noah Joseph — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: China, GM, Roewe, UK, MISC

The notion that Chinese automakers would begin selling cars in competitive export markets seemed laughable only a few years ago. But that's what they said about the Koreans, and before them the Japanese. Also laughable: the notion that a British brand like MG would have no outlet to sell their cars in the UK. But that's the situation that MG Rover found itself in after it was taken over by Chinese automakers SAIC and Nanjing.

A new arrangement, however, could see MGs being sold through GM dealers in the UK before too long. The deal would actually be an extension of the cooperative venture the two auto groups embarked upon years ago in China, giving The General a foothold in the rapidly growing market to sell Chevrolets, Buicks and Cadillacs, of which it has already sold a reported 2.2 million so far this year.

According to reports, MG already has a memorandum of understanding with GM to distribute the Sino-British cars in the UK. If that's the case, it could be just a matter of time before MGs are sold alongside such vehicles as the Cruze and BLS from London to Scotland.

[Source: The Telegraph]

Report: SAIC to sell new MG models through GM showrooms in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Android in Roewe 350 revealed in pictures

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Technology, Roewe

Roewe 350 with Android - Click above for image gallery

With the Google I/O developer's conference going on and General Motor's spate of announcements about the future of OnStar and its Android-integrated smartphone app for the Chevrolet Volt, there's been a fair amount of virtual ink spilled over the search giant's mobile software and its integration into automobiles.

However, Roewe has taken the biggest leap yet and installed Android into its new 350 sedan.

The system, developed in conjunction with the Chinese automaker and Inkanet, employs a 3G internet connection through China Unicom to deliver everything from weather to stock market information, and connects to phones and other multimedia devices through either a cable or Bluetooth connection. As you'd expect, GPS and traffic data is integrated into the system, and users can make phone calls, along with sending and receiving emails and text messages. An on-screen QWERTY keyboard is incorporated into the custom user interface, and unlike some of the hack jobs we've seen on netbooks and vaporware tablets, it's actually an attractive implementation of the Android operating system.

The whole package will set Chinese consumers back around $600-900 when it arrives later this year, and includes 24 months of free service through China Unicom. Check the gallery below for a walk through of its features.

Gallery: Roewe 350 with Android

[Source: PCAuto via Thetycho]

Google Android in Roewe 350 revealed in pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roewe 350: The first car to run on Android

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: China, Technology, Roewe

Google and the Chinese government are having a little row right now, but that hasn't stopped China's love for Google goods. The production lines for the Roewe 350 have started rolling out sedans, and the little four-door, designed as a sign of SAIC's automotive futur,e is certainly headed for hundreds of thousands of Chinese homes. In the process, it will employ Google's Android operating system, up until now only seen primarily on mobile phones and a handful of cheap PCs.

Android was developed from Linux, and is a highly customizable OS with a huge range of adaptability. In the Roewe 350, the Android interface running through the DVD system will give occupants web access and even online chatting, in addition to mundane things like real-time traffic. It's a neat choice to make, and with Android's app possibilities it might mean you could share information from car to car and skip the step of reading directions and other information from your phone. And if there's a virus... well, we won't worry about that just yet...

[Source: China Car Times]

Roewe 350: The first car to run on Android originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aborted plans for trio of new MG sportscar unearthed in new report

Noah Joseph — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Roewe, MISC

MG Project X120 - Click above for image gallery

As recently as five years ago, iconic British marque MG was in the midst of developing three - count 'em, three - new sportscars, according to various reports. Unfortunately, as MG Rover ran out of capital and was sold off to Chinese investors, the plans never saw the light of day. But that won't stop us from wondering what could have been.

The plan - known internally as Project X120 - included a replacement for the aging TF model, a successor to the diminutive Midget, and an up-market sportscar to take on the likes of the Porsche Cayman. The project, however, reportedly got itself into trouble when engineers realized that their plans revolved around using the TF's chassis, among whose shortcomings included a cramped cockpit with an awkward driving position. The injection of an extra £2 million to the £50 million overall budget could have afforded the program a new all-aluminum tub, but they just didn't have the cash.

The real kicker, from an American perspective at least, was that the business case for developing the new line of MGs necessitated the return to the North American market to pursue new potential buyers. And that's where we begin to weep and lament the MGs that could have been.

Gallery: MG Project X120

[Source: Auto Express and Austin Rover Online]

Aborted plans for trio of new MG sportscar unearthed in new report originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Preview: New MG6 is... nice

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Roewe, Shanghai Motor Show

This is the MG6, and it's a good looking car. As the sporty version of the Roewe 550 (another good looking car), the MG6 gets a tauter nose with new lights, a slightly more upswept swage line, and a fastback rear end.

The Roewe 550 signified a break from the heavily Rover-based design still found models like the Roewe 750, undoubtedly due to the international design team based in China and the UK. The MG6 continues the trend of independent design, not relying on being merely a tweaked copy of its sibling, or any other car for that matter. It will be debuting at the Shanghai Motor Show, and to you, Roewe and MG, we say keep up the good work.

[Source: Auto Sina (translated) via The Tycho]

Shanghai Preview: New MG6 is... nice originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shanghai Surprise: Roewe to unveil N1 sedan concept?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:12:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, China, Misc. Auto Shows, Roewe

Roewe N1 concept - Click for an image gallery

Back in 2004, Chinese firm Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) purchased the rights to assemble the Rover 25 and 75 from British automaker MG. Since then, SAIC has been content to offer a few vehicles that closely resemble the old Rover designs under the Roewe brand name. If the new Roewe N1 sedan concept is anything to go by, it looks as if the Chinese automaker is finally ready to branch out with something a bit more modern.

So far, all we have are renderings of the sleek new sedan, but the real thing is expected to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show next week. We look forward to finding out whether the Jaguar XF-esque sedan's coupe-like profile is retained when the N1 makes its official entrance in the metal. Stay tuned.

Gallery: Shanghai Motor Show: Roewe N1 renderings

[Source: China Car Times]

Shanghai Surprise: Roewe to unveil N1 sedan concept? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's in a Name? Nanjing removes name from MG division

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:39:00 EST

Filed under: China, Roewe, UK

Is a British automaker still British if it's foreign owned? This is an increasingly relevant question, as England's biggest car brands have been gobbled up by foreign concerns. Jaguar and Land Rover are owned by India's Tata, Aston Martin by a group of Kuwaiti investors, Bentley is part of the Volkswagen Group, Rolls-Royce under the BMW umbrella, and Lotus is owned by Malaysian state automaker Proton. This leaves the LTI taxi cab company as the largest independent, self-owned British automaker. Even MG was sold, together with Rover, to China's Nanjing Automobile Corporation nearly four years ago. But a recent change in nomenclature apparently seeks to minimize that impression.

MG has been operated over the past several years as NAC MG UK Ltd, including on its masthead the name of its parent company. Nanjing has decided to change that, however, renaming its British subsidiary as MG Motor UK Ltd. Will that change the notion that Britain's favorite roadster company is owned by the Chinese? Not one bit, but who knows, maybe some will be fooled.

[Source: Autocar]

What's in a Name? Nanjing removes name from MG division originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Roewe developing executive limo?

Dan Roth — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, China, Roewe

China-based high rollers may soon have another option for whisking about if spy shots of a Roewe limousine hold water. The car itself is apparently based on the Ssangyong Chairman W limo, though it may not carry that car's Mercedes-sourced powertrain.

China Car Times surmises that Roewe's Rover V6, at 2.5 liters, just doesn't have the guts to pull so much car around. According to CCT, the cat will be fully let out of the bag in April when the car is unveiled in Shanghai. Until we see the whole thing, our favorite feature will have to be that medieval-looking R emblem. Tattoo, anyone?

[Source: China Car Times]

Spy Shots: Roewe developing executive limo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roewe 550, 750 arrive in Chile as MGs

Alex Nunez — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Roewe

Remember the Roewe 550? Pretty nice-looking ride, especially for a Chinese car, considering some of the freakishly awful stuff that comes out of the country. SAIC apparently realizes that in terms of name recognition, MG > Roewe. Case in point: the introduction of the 550 and 750 sedans in Chile, where both cars are now being sold under the MG moniker by importer SK Bergé. The two four-doors will reportedly be joined by the TF roadster in November, but despite the traditionally British nameplate adorning their respective bonnets, all three are made in China. You know, like everything else. You can see a gallery of the brand's launch event in Santiago here. Thanks for the tip, Potts.

[Sources: Autoblog Spanish, Austin Rover Online]

Roewe 550, 750 arrive in Chile as MGs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European Union taking Germany to court over amended VW Law

Michael Harley — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Porsche, Volkswagen, Roewe

In a move that may undermine Germany's protection of Lower Saxony and its close ties to Volkswagen, the European Commission plans to review the case of Volkswagen Law in the European Union's top court. As you may recall, Porsche has been trying to take majority control of rival Volkswagen. However, the so-called "Volkswagen Law" has protected VW from takeover by allowing the state of Lower Saxony (where thousands of VW jobs are at stake) to retain just enough stock in the company to prevent Porsche from capturing a majority vote. While the upcoming ruling may not only alter the ownership of Volkswagen, it also demonstrates the escalating authority that the European Commission has over once sovereign countries.

[Source: Automotive News Europe, subs. req'd]

European Union taking Germany to court over amended VW Law originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: MG TF is coming...

Dan Roth — Thu, 08 May 2008 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Roewe, Rendered Speculation

There's a new MG TF on its way to replace the current TF, which is once again rolling out the doors at its Longbridge, UK ancestral home. The new TF will be available as a roadster, natch, and as a coupe, and based on the Roewe 550. AutoExpress has worked up some renderings based on insider information about the new rear-drive MG, and the car amounts to a smorgasbord of cues from a variety of unfortunately styled vehicles. There's a lot of X80 concept, a dash of the crosseyed Qvale Mangusta, and a peppering or two of the MG SV, too. The end result looks like something Noddy assembled in a candlelit workshop, but then again, so does the existing MG TF.

The underlying platform for the new TF is one of the last vestiges of MG Rover, and would have been used for the MG ZS/Rover 45 replacement. Ricardo also played a role in the development of the chassis, which will have a turbocharged 1.8-liter four and a 2.5-liter V6 as power options. Still, more coupes in the MX5's sandbox can't be a bad thing, so we wish the new MG TF well, and hope that it comes to the United States for a proper taunting.

[Source: Auto Express]

Rendered Speculation: MG TF is coming... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing 2008: Roewe 550 debuts, still good lookin'

John Neff — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Misc. Auto Shows, Roewe

Click above for high-res gallery of the Roewe 550

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation debuted the Roewe 550 over the weekend at the Auto China show in Beijing, and it joins the 750 in a lineup that was designed and engineered entirely in Britain. For those who don't remember the story, a little history lesson might be in order. SAIC fought long and hard against cross-town Chinese rival Nanjing for the right to purchase the bankrupt English automotive brand Rover. SAIC won the battle, but didn't secure the rights to the Rover name. Hence, Roewe was born and the 750 debuted as a rebadged version of the Rover 75. The Roewe 550, however, is its own car with a design that doesn't carry forward any obvious cues from Rover. Based on a shortened version of the Rover 75 platform, the 550 was reportedly being developed before MG Rover bit the dust in 2005, and SAIC has made sure to keep the car palatable to European tastes as it plans to sell the 550 in Europe eventually.

The 550 features a clean and tasteful exterior design, though some at the show note its interior isn't made of the highest quality materials. We do, however, like the digital gauge cluster that wraps around the analog tach, as well as the flush nav screen. The 550's available engines, however, are not as impressive and include the same 1.8T and 1.6L K-Series four-cylinders, as well as a 2.0L diesel, that were sold in Rovers before the company collapsed. Autocar points out it's also possible that the 550 could be badged as an MG in Europe, as SAIC recently bought its rival Nanjing, which settled for buying the MG name when it lost the bid to own Rover's assets.

Check out the new Roewe 550 in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Roewe 550 - Live Shots

Gallery: Roewe 550

All photos Copyright (C)2008 Ibiza Wang / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Autoblog Chinese, Autocar]

Beijing 2008: Roewe 550 debuts, still good lookin' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Package Deal: Tata buys 5 British marques for the price of 2

Noah Joseph — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Jaguar, Land Rover, Earnings/Financials, Roewe, Tata

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Daimler Super 8

While most of the automotive press is reporting on Tata's acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford's Premier Automotive Group, the fine print shows that the Indian automaker got a whole package of classic British marques to go along with them. In addition to Jaguar and Land Rover, Tata also acquired the rights to use the names of Rover, Daimler and Lanchester.

The Rover name previously belonged to BMW, which bought the Rover group 14 years ago. Although Shanghai (SAIC) bought the rights to produce Rover products, BMW refused to license the name to them (leaving SAIC to label its cars Roewe), instead selling it to Ford who secured the name to avoid confusion with Land Rover. The Daimler name, through an age-old licensing agreement with the Mercedes parent company, is used by Jaguar for a line of even more luxurious versions of its XJ sedan range. The Lanchester name is likewise attached to Jaguar, but having produced its first motor car in 1895, has laid dormant since 1956.

Although the three brands are barely in use, they transfer ownership to Tata along with Jaguar and Land Rover. The option will remain Tata's whether or not to utilize the names, but we wouldn't expect the Indian auto giant to lay out the cash to launch additional brands while it shoulders the financial burden of the $2.3 billion acquisition. We wouldn't be surprised, however, to see Tata license any of the names it can to help raise the funds.

Gallery: Daimler Super 8

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subscription required]

Package Deal: Tata buys 5 British marques for the price of 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing '08 Preview: Roewe 550 sedan spied at commercial shoot

Alex Nunez — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Misc. Auto Shows, Roewe

Click image for a gallery of the Roewe 550 sedan

SAIC's Rowe brand (nee Rover) is set to formally unveil its new 550 sedan in Beijing next month. The sedan's styling is very mainstream save for its unfortunate front fascia. Those undersized, oddly-shaped headlights just seem very out of place. That said, it's not as if we're the target market, and it's likely to be one of the more important Beijing Motor Show debuts. According to China Car Times, the 550 will be powered by the same 1.8L turbo found under the hood of the Roewe 750 (the re-engineered Rover 75). We'll have more photos and additional details via the crew at Autoblog Chinese when the car is unveiled next month.

Gallery: Roewe 550

[Sources: XCAR, China Car Times]

Beijing '08 Preview: Roewe 550 sedan spied at commercial shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Roewe SUV

Dan Roth — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, China, Roewe

Roewe, SAIC's renamed Rover, has an SUV in the works. Details are scant, though it's reportedly based on a Ssangyong model. We think the Ssangyong Kyron is hiding under the Roewe's handsome sheetmetal. The Kyron carries its Mercedes-esque styling atop a ladder frame and off-road capable 4WD componentry, so Roewe's new SUV should be able to get dirty without becoming mired. Roewe has added some Lexus to the styling of the Kyron, but the older Mercedes powertrain systems might not remain underhood. Ssangyong uses Mercedes castoffs through a special licensing agreement, though we wouldn't go so far as to call either vehicle a bargain last-gen Mercedes. Looking into reports on the Kyron reveal a vehicle that's well equipped but not a screaming deal; nor is it a stellar performer. Perhaps Roewe has revised the chassis calibration and found a different motor to slide in between the front fenders.

[Source: China Car Times via Straightline]

Rendered Speculation: Roewe SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Roewe 550 is not beautiful

Alex Nunez — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Roewe

The E-Type Jaguar is beautiful. The Lamborghini Miura is beautiful. Most reasonable individuals bestowed with the gift of sight would not argue those points. Alas, "beautiful" as an adjective is regularly abused. Case in point: the new Roewe 550, which is inexplicably described as such by our Sino-focused blogging brothers at China Car Times. We strenuously disagree. We understand that there are many ugly Chinese cars, and that when the nation's auto industry produces one that doesn't cause onlookers to instantaneously turn to stone, it's noteworthy. That said, "not overwhelmingly ugly" does not equal "beautiful." The Roewe 550's front end looks as if a modern Nissan/Infiniti (grille shape & slats), a Saturn Aura (everything below the front bumper), and a last-gen Chrysler Sebring or 300M (headlamps) got caught in a horrific Star Trek transporter accident. As you can see, the result is far from beautiful, despite the generous claims of China Car Times. They're entitled to their opinions, of course, but if this is beautiful then the new Malibu looks like Malcom Pray's 1939 Delahaye by comparison.

[Source: China Car Times]

The Roewe 550 is not beautiful originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shacking up - Nanjing and SAIC form partnership

Dan Roth — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: China, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Roewe

Instead of beating each other's brains out and assuring that nobody wins, SAIC and Nanjing have decided to stand close to each other on the playground. While they may still avoid eye contact and kick pebbles instead of developing a friendship, they will be carrying out what they're terming a "comprehensive collaboration." Design, production and sales efforts will be pooled in an effort to make China's automakers competitive with outsiders like General Motors and Volkswagen, who currently dominate China's vehicle market. The weekend announcement of the effort was mum on a merger, but did mention an asset swap as the two state-controlled businesses go forward splitting resources. At the very least, it seems like the cooperative effort will quell the bickering over the carved up carcass of Rover Cars.

[Source: Detroit News]

Shacking up - Nanjing and SAIC form partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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