Five reasons why MG and LDV are forging ahead

MG and LDV – both former British Leyland brands, if you can remember that far back – are on a very steep learning curve, as is the parent company SAIC Motor.

It's obvious from even just the model names in the LDV range that development is proceeding at such a hectic pace. No one with some marketing nous has so much as had the time to sit down and tell colleagues: "Look, let's go with nomenclature that's simple and logically consistent."

So the alphanumeric model names – G10, V80, T60 and D90 – are essentially meaningless. But that's almost to be expected from a company that has only been a subsidiary of SAIC Motor since 2011.

It's a wild and crazy ride for LDV, MG and Chinese domestic brand Roewe (formerly Rover). Here's what's happening and why the long-awaited promise of Chinese automotive dominance is finally beginning to flower.

1. The DNA of design

The Chinese have discovered design. Not just by poaching stylists from abroad. The MG E-Motion sports car and X-Motion SUV have been styled by a team led by Chinese native Shao Jingfeng, a man who learned his art with Volkswagen before joining MG. LDV's Tarantula SUV design study was also penned under the auspice of another Chinese local, Huang Bin, a former GM employee. SAIC now has R&D centres in the USA and Europe as well as China.

2. Drivers with drive

The unique demands of the Chinese domestic market will ensure that products from MG and LDV won't be 'cookie-cutter' designs that are within a packaging percentile of their rivals. So China's 'one child' policy, for example, has led to the development of an ex-factory motorhome based on the LDV V80. This RV80 model is actively being considered for Australia, where it would more than meet the needs of grey nomads. And don't forget the unusually high dependence on chauffeurs in China. A medium SUV developed for the Chinese market offers roomier rear-seat accommodation than a typical medium SUV in Australia and other western markets.

3. Plug-in and shut up

The Chinese have fallen right in line with (most of) the rest of the world where the environment is concerned. Plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles are on the drawing boards. Some are even in production already and selling in markets like the UK. And the SAIC brands aren't likely to be put off by the lily-livered dithering of governments and consumers in other markets – including Australia.

4. Self drive

Autonomy makes more sense in a market where the vast majority of the population still don't drive cars. In Australia, moves towards autonomous motoring are viewed with the same dread and anger as the NRA feels about gun control in the USA. We're immersed in a driving culture, the Chinese aren't – or haven't been, at least. SAIC has a plan to introduce autonomous motoring in stages, starting with heavy commercials that work a pre-programmed route that doesn't vary from one day to the next. Buses are a case in point, and they will be the thin end of the autonomous motoring wedge.

5. New age tech

China's domestic population is huge, and vehicle buyers there welcome new technology and enhanced efficiency. R&D can be justified by domestic economies of scale in a country that appreciates the latest shiny, high-tech baubles. Contrast this with Australia, where we're still in a state of mourning for relatively low-tech, rear-wheel drive large cars.