Simply one of funding - that required for production big enough to make
supply to North America worthwhile is currently and for the foreseeable
future way beyond what is now a small British owned motor manufacturer.
They would love to come back, and may well do so, which is why they still
have a presence in the form of appearances at shows and the recent speed
record runs.
PaulH.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul M." <rowman22001@yahoo.com>
To: "Telewest (PH)" <paul.hunt1@blueyonder.co.uk>; <MG-MGB@yahoogroups.com>;
<d_dibiase@yahoo.com>
Cc: <mg-mgb@yahoogroups.com>; <mgs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2003 1:54 PM
Subject: Why no MGs?
> > And a Midget *is* being discussed and
> > MG Rover aren't denying. But none of
> > them are likely to reach
> > North America.
>
> What's the official reason why MG isn't planning a
> return to North America? They seem to have a very
> appealing range of cars, and they wouldn't have to
> come back with ALL of them. I mean, I can understand
> companies like Renault (whose model range doesn't
> really "translate" well into North America) and Alfa
> Romeo (who would be battling one of the worst image
> problems in US automotive history, right when they can
> afford failure the least), and maybe even Peugeot
> (who's tepid attempts to sell cars toward the end of
> their US presence included primarily their
> least-appealing models), but why not MG?
>
> I think there used to be a misconception that US
> buyers would shun sporting vehicles developed for
> continental tastes, but I think that misconception was
> largely based on the dismal sales failure of cars like
> the BMW 318ti, Peugeot 405 mi16 and Alfa 164, which
> all failed (in my opinion) for other reasons. But
> recently, the wild popularity of cars like the Subaru
> WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (and the
> multi-billion-dollar aftermarket industry that now
> supports sport compacts) have proven that we will
> embrace specialty cars with premium brand recognition,
> and stand in line to buy them. In fact, everyone is
> trying to jump into the act, most notably Ford with
> the acclaimed SVT Focus and Dodge with the Neon SRT-4.
>
>
> It strikes me that some of the sporting small sedans
> that MG builds - even more so than the TF - could
> carve out a small but highly profitable niche market
> here. As far as I know there is no negative brand
> awareness to overcome (as there would be for Peugeot,
> Renault and Alfa Romeo). Sell one "halo" car over
> here for a little while, build killer brand awareness
> through that and things like the IRL and IMSA racing
> programs, and then start broadening the product line.
>
> But then again, what the heck do I know? What's the
> party line? Why does the Rover Group say they don't
> sell cars here?
>
> =====
> Paul Misencik
> 1971 MGB Vintage Race Project
> Huntersville, NC USA
> www.sopwithracing.com
>
> Learn the truth at www.misleader.org
>
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