Jeff Hemphill's Journal

So, I was briefly in Germany last week and a colleague (who works in our battery start-up) said he wanted to be sure to eat his own cooking; so he needed an electric car. Well, it just so happens that SAIC (a Chinese OEM) has introduced a whole line of BEV's based on the MG brand which they purchased in 2005 (or rather was purchased by another Chinese company which they later acquired). So, I could not resist getting some photos. I hereby express my mixed feelings:

Against:
-I was absolutely disgusted when I heard that a Chinese company had bought my beloved brand (in which my Mom and Dad taught me to drive!).
-Most of these are not remotely related to a roadster.
-China is a long damn way from England!
-Holy crap, I really have gained a lot of weight!
-What the F*&%$ is going on!!

For:
-At least someone recognized the value of this magnificent brand. Why that wasn't a US or EU company is a topic for a longer post.
-I was actually moved to see that logo on a car again!
-At least their first launch, the Cyberster (I'd have gone somewhere else with the name...) was a proper roadster.
-They use MG as their export brand, which is true to the English MG which I think I remember also sent somewhere around 2/3's of their cars for export.
-This affords a chance for a generational conversation: "No, no, Kaylie, that's not an actual MG. Let me tell you about Morris Garages!"

Again, mixed feelings. Curious to hear reactions...