SHANGHAI, China — Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), China's number-one automaker, has just launched its MG6 in China. The new model faces off against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Sagitar in the highly competitive mid-class auto segment in China.
The MG6 hatchback, equipped with a 1.8-liter turbo engine, will be produced by SAIC Co at its Lingang plant.
SAIC will also start production of the MG6 in a plant in the United Kingdom next year as it tries to revive the 85-year history of the British icon globally. The company said the MG6, which was unveiled at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show last April, is specifically designed for Asian and European markets.
In China, "There will be market potential for the MG6 if SAIC prices the car competitively," said Ye Sheng, an auto analyst at automotive consulting firm B. Thinking Management in Shanghai.
SAIC has operated the sporty MG brand as its own since the carmaker acquired smaller domestic rival Nanjing Auto at the end of 2007. SAIC now produces the MG7, MG3SW and MG TF sports car in China, as well as the Roewe series that came from the Rover Group of the U.K.
Tang Yuejin, communications director of SAIC Motor, said the MG6's unique design targeting young consumers should be its competitive edge.
SAIC will also launch a new smaller-engined MG3 sedan in 2010.
Inside Line says: SAIC has its work cut out for it as it launches the eagerly awaited new products. — Vivian Jin, Correspondent
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