The Financial Times has reported that Nanjing’s decision to go ahead and make cars based on MG Rover technology in China may spark a legal battle with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. (SAIC).


SAIC purchased the rights to the car’s design before Rover collapsed and will build almost identical Rover 75 saloons. It has threatened legal action against Nanjing if it starts production, but can do nothing until an infringement on its rights is actually made.


Nanjing won central government approval to build the cars earlier this week. SAIC gained its approval several weeks ago. The government would, however, prefer to try to avoid a high profile legal battle between two domestic companies, according to the newspaper.


Nanjing has said that it has the rights to 98% of Rover and MG models that shared common designs, having paid £53m ($91m) for the assets of Rover. SAIC claims that Nanjing has only bought 2% of the designs that were exclusive to MG.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.