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According to a report from Automotive News Europe, Roewe will enter the European market quite sooner than expected thanks to the help of SsangYong, which like Roewe, is a subsidiary of SAIC. Starting in 2008, Roewe will introduce its first model in Europe, the production version of the W2 concept (pic) that premiered at the Shanghai Show. Although the Chinese carmaker intends to launch Roewe as a separate brand in 2010 through an extended SAIC network, ANE reports that the W2 will be distributed through the dealer network of its Korean subsidiary and sold under the SsangYong badge.-Continued: Click "Read More..." below

Not exactly the turnout most industry observers were expecting when SAIC bought the design rights for the Rover 75 & 25 from MG Rover before the latter collapsed in 2005. Albeit SAIC’s "SsangYong dribble" seems like a smart move now, helping them fastforward their European penetration, I believe it would have been wiser to wait a couple of years until they created a SAIC network.

Via: Automotive News Europe

Roewe, or in other words Rover’s Chinese spouse presented a brand new concept at this year’s Shanghai Show, the W2 sedan which was penned by former MG Rover designers and SAIC's own team. Even though it’s more than obvious that the design team took a peek or two in the Toyota/Lexus range, you’ve have to admit that the W2 actually looks quite good and has nothing to do with most of the dull-looking, mixed-grilled creations you usually see from Chinese car makers. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

According to SAIC owned Roewe, the Ford Focus Sedan sized W2 will go into production towards the end of the year with international sales staring in 2008. The W2 will be Roewe’s second model after the launch of the Rover 75 derived, 750E.