MG Shifts Right

The return of MG to Australia has taken a turn. The saga that began more than 18 months ago may have reached resolution as the MG brand, owned by SAIC Motor in Shanghai, China, confirmed yesterday that it has moved right-hand drive production of the compact MG3 and larger MG6 sedan and hatch from Shanghai to Thailand.

Its Chinese owners are obviously hoping to take advantage of Thailand-Australia trade agreements and Thailand's long history of exporting vehicles to Australia. From its production base in Thailand, MG plans to export RHD production to markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and South Africa as the company struggles to reintroduce the once-British brand to the Empire.

The Chinese-built MG6 is already in Australia, but sales have been hampered by compliance issues. It is an interesting car that really doesn't offer unique appeal beyond the MG badge and a modestly exciting 1.8-litre turbocharged engine. The interior design lacks genuine brand cues. It's liveable but not memorable.

The MG3 is more charismatic and, powered by a 1.5-litre engine, offers competitive qualities against the Fiat 500 and other four-door compacts. In Thailand the locally-built MG3 is sharply priced at $18,700 and backed by a four-year, 120,000km warranty.

The MG3 range also includes the lifted and accessorised MG3 Xcross, without AWD and no power improvement, priced at $23,200 on the local Thai market.

Mr Wu Huan, president SAIC Motor, announced RHD production in Thailand at the Bangkok Motor Show. We have forwarded questions to Mr Wu via Ogilvy Public Relations regarding MG exports to Australia and other brand issues, however, he is yet to respond.