MG back. Again? Still?

China’s largest vehicle-maker and the parent company of the MG brand, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC), has officially opened an Australian subsidiary.

The move, which was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Woolloomooloo and gala event this event, is a precursor to the re-introduction to the Australian market of MG and, says the company “provides [a] platform to fuel Oceania expansion ambitions”.

SAIC is China’s largest listed auto company and owns the Roewe and LDV brands alongside MG. Its operations include “research, production and sale of passenger cars, commercial vehicles and components” and also covers “logistics, vehicle telematics, second-hand vehicle transactions and auto finance services,” a company release stated.

Tonight’s event was attended by NSW government representatives as well as Chinese consular officials and SAIC execs.

SAIC says the role of the local operation is establish “a strong, profitable and sustainable Australian retail network” for MG. That said, no firm dates have yet been revealed for the relaunch of the brand.

motoring.com.au believes SAIC will formalise its local plans in October. Initial 2015 reports on the relaunch had the brand set to be revived earlier in 2016 and a four- to five-model line-up on sale by mid-2017.

Key to the brand’s success would be the MG3 small car and the upcoming MG GS crossover (pictured).

“We are proud to announce the formation and opening of our subsidiary in Australia, which delivers against our strategic plan for expanding our business in the Oceania region. We have found that the ambitions of Australia closely reflect the vision of our company, which is to be innovative, globally recognised and focused on pioneering the future,” said Mr Zhu Chao, General Manager SAIC Motor Australia via a press statement.

“We see strong growth opportunities in Australia for our portfolio of brands which are proving to be highly desirable to consumers not only in our home market of China but globally in markets including the UK, ASEAN, Middle East, South America and North America,” the release said.

motoring.com.au sources have confirmed SAIC has appointed a significant number of experienced local automotive personnel to its Australian operation.

SAIC’s commercial brand LDV is currently imported and distributed by Ateco Automotive. There are no plans to change this distribution arrangement, our source stated.

As part of its launch celebrations SAIC Motor Australia announced its first social partnership -- Variety, The Children’s Charity. SAIC has donated a new MG6 to the organisation to use for fundraising and marketing purposes.