Toyota news

MG first introduced its mid-engine F (later TF) roadster way back in 1995, but new owners Nanjing (SAIC) are still trying to sell the damn thing. Production of 500 TFs for the British market began this month at the Longbridge plant, in a run-up to restarting regular production. And until recently the Chinese firm was planning on opening an R&D

facility and factory in Ardmore, OK with an eye towards selling the outdated runabout in the US. But no longer, reports Automotive News (sub). "The U.S.A. isn't on the short-term radar as an anticipated market for us, but with the right product, it would be good to return there," says Nanjing flack Gary Hagen. Considering the TF hasn't been a competitive product for nearly a decade, yeah, it's safe to assume it might help to jump into the US market with a better best foot forward. After all, the TF's British comeback is gamble enough, despite a number of sales upsides. First, it's still nominally a British sports car, and Nanjing can rely on patriotism to move at least a few models in Old Blighty. Besides, Brits go for underpowered and out-of-date sports cars as long as they're sufficiently charming, as witnessed by the eternal availability of Fiat's Barchetta. The US offers far fewer sympathy-buy opportunities and much higher dealer and advertising costs. Whether Nanjing ever decides to build an all-new MG to make good on its North American ambitions is very much up in the air. At least they haven't already re-killed the brand stateside before even trying.

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