Brit HQ for new Rover to rival the Focus

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Source: Auto Express

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The next generation of Chinese-branded models will be developed very close to the defunct company's former home.

And the line-up will include an all-new compact family hatch to rival Ford's Focus. This will be based on the stillborn RDX60, and should arrive in the next couple of years in both three and five-door form. It will be developed by UK engineering consultancy Ricardo 2010, which is staffed by many ex-Rover employees and based in Warwickshire. The company has recently been bought by Chinese car maker SAIC - the huge conglomerate which purchased the rights to build Rovers back in 2004.

A subsidiary of engineering giant Ricardo, the 2010 offshoot has been working closely with SAIC towards the development of the forth-coming Roewe 750. This re-engineered and rebadged Rover 75, revealed in Issue 932, will go on sale both here and in Europe later this year.

It will be the first of a new generation of updated Rover cars which will form the backbone of SAIC's line-up, and has been developed by a host of ex-employees of the British marque, including former design team members as well as engineers from Powertrain.

"The purchase of 2010 by SAIC is a huge vote of confidence in the innovative skills base that still exists in the UK," said a Ricardo spokesman. "It was always part of the plan that SAIC would take ownership of 2010. The firm could have walked away from the joint venture project, but it is an extremely positive outcome that 2010 is now part of SAIC."

Ricardo 2010 will remain under its own management in a standalone building at Ricardo's Midlands Technical Centre in Leamington Spa.
 
If Ricardo is involved this could turn out to be a good car.
 
What? the warmed over American model? I think they got that covered....

okay, enough bashing. If they can pull this off, I'll be really impressed with the Chinese, given Rover's recent history. Then again, It may not be that the Chinese will be designing it, just funding it. some good development funds would help Rover immensely.

remains to be seen, children, remains to be seen.
 
What engine will be in that thing? And I rather like the exterior design minus the green.
 
I would say it slightly resembles the Mazda3. "I've never had the pleasure of driving a Rover"
 
I'd have to say that looks like a cool car.
I mean, looks aren't everything but it does look cool. Of course, only so cool... Like say, a sleek Dodge Calibur. :ouch:
 
Well, we'll see what happens I suppose. The good news is that the car will probably be coming to America (given that the TF is coming), so I'd love to see one in person. The question is, is the American public ready to buy British by way of the Chinese? That has remained to be seen, and I'll hold judgment until I see one in person.
 
I doubt it will work for the first year or so.
However, just like many of the "newer" car brands here, a solid product and good media coverage should give them the start they need.

It's just a matter of the product's quality.
Well, that and how the Chinese part of the equation works out... That's something I can't really predict. See, as of right now I don't think there is a single car for sale in the states made in a "communist" country.

I must admit though, the very thought of this is making me more interested in the political symbolism than the actual car in question.

In any case, you've got it right yssman, we'll have to wait and see.
 
and when this comes over you still won't have a car on sale made in a communist country. It's not being built in China ;). I am with you all, I'm hopeful that it will work out well, and the signs are there to say that it is a possibiity that it will. but it is all very much, wait and see.
 
oh, is that British Racing green? it must be fast then.. ;)
 
This is British racing green.
GeorgeDurkin.jpg
 
it looks just like any other dark green :P
 
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