When was mg bought by china

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: MG (Morris Garages) was acquired by China's Nanjing Automobile Group in 2005 after the collapse of British parent company MG Rover. In 2007, Nanjing Automobile merged with SAIC Motor, transferring MG ownership to SAIC, which now fully owns and manufactures MG vehicles in China and globally.

Key Facts

MG Rover collapsed in April 2005, leading to the sale of MG assets.
Nanjing Automobile Group purchased MG brand and assets in July 2005 for £53 million.
SAIC had previously acquired some MG intellectual property in December 2004.
Nanjing Automobile merged with SAIC Motor in December 2007.
Since 2007, SAIC Motor has fully controlled the MG brand and expanded it globally.

Overview

MG, originally a British automotive brand founded in 1924, became a symbol of classic British sports cars. After decades of ownership changes and financial struggles, the collapse of MG Rover in 2005 marked a turning point. The brand's future was secured not by a European automaker, but by a Chinese company stepping into the void.

The acquisition of MG by China reshaped the brand’s trajectory, transforming it from a struggling British marque into a globally expanding, China-backed automotive force. This shift reflected broader trends in the automotive industry, where Chinese manufacturers began acquiring legacy brands to gain technology, design credibility, and international market access.

2005 collapse: MG Rover Group ceased operations in April 2005, putting 6,000 jobs at risk and making MG assets available for purchase.
July 2005 acquisition: Nanjing Automobile Group bought the MG brand, factory, and intellectual property for £53 million, ensuring production continuity.
SAIC's prior claim: SAIC Motor had acquired rights to the Rover 25 and 75 platforms and some MG technology in December 2004 for $78 million.
Production restart: Nanjing Automobile resumed limited MG TF sports car production at the Longbridge plant in April 2008 after retooling.
Merger with SAIC: In December 2007, Nanjing Automobile merged with SAIC, consolidating control of MG under one of China’s largest state-owned automakers.

How It Works

The acquisition and revitalization of MG involved complex corporate maneuvers, intellectual property transfers, and strategic manufacturing shifts. Understanding the key terms and corporate actions clarifies how a British icon became a Chinese-owned brand.

MG Rover collapse: In April 2005, MG Rover went into administration, ending British mass production of MG vehicles and triggering asset auctions.
Nanjing Automobile Group: A Chinese state-owned automaker that purchased MG’s core assets for £53 million, aiming to revive the brand with Chinese investment.
SAIC Motor: SAIC acquired key Rover platform rights in 2004 and later absorbed Nanjing, becoming the sole owner of the MG brand by 2007.
Longbridge plant: The historic Birmingham factory briefly reopened under Chinese management, producing the MG TF until 2010 before shifting production to China.
Global relaunch: Starting in 2011, SAIC launched new MG models like the MG 3 and MG 6, targeting Europe, Asia, and Australia with affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles.
EV expansion: By 2020, MG became one of the UK’s top-selling electric car brands, led by the MG ZS EV and MG4, both developed and built in China.

Comparison at a Glance

Key milestones in MG’s transition from British to Chinese ownership:

Year	Event	Company Involved	Outcome
2004	SAIC acquires Rover 25/75 IP	SAIC Motor	Gains rights to use Rover platforms for future vehicles
2005	MG Rover collapses	MG Rover Group	Company enters administration; assets up for sale
July 2005	Nanjing buys MG brand	Nanjing Automobile	Pays £53 million for MG name, factory, and tooling
2007	Nanjing merges with SAIC	SAIC Motor	SAIC gains full control of MG brand and operations
2011	MG relaunched globally	SAIC Motor	New models like MG 3 and MG 6 enter European markets

The table highlights the pivotal moments in MG’s ownership shift. While Nanjing Automobile initiated the rescue, SAIC’s merger and long-term investment proved decisive. Today, MG operates as a subsidiary of SAIC, with all new models engineered in China and sold in over 40 countries, including strong sales in the UK and Europe.

Why It Matters

The Chinese acquisition of MG represents more than a corporate takeover—it reflects the globalization of the auto industry and the rising influence of Chinese manufacturers on legacy Western brands.

Market transformation: MG’s shift to Chinese ownership exemplifies how emerging automakers are acquiring heritage brands to boost credibility.
Global sales success: By 2023, MG ranked among the UK’s top 10 best-selling car brands, driven by EV demand.
Manufacturing relocation: All current MG models are produced in China, ending British manufacturing of the brand after 2010.
Electric vehicle leadership: MG has become a major player in affordable EVs, with the MG4 winning 2023 European Car of the Year.
Economic impact: SAIC’s investment preserved the MG brand, preventing its complete extinction after the 2005 collapse.
Brand evolution: MG has transitioned from a niche sports car maker to a volume-focused, tech-forward brand under Chinese stewardship.

Today, MG stands as a symbol of automotive globalization—once a British icon, now a Chinese-built brand thriving in international markets. Its journey underscores how strategic acquisitions can revive dormant brands and reshape global industry dynamics.