When MG Playfully Mocks Europe

After the harsh words and barely veiled threats, MG takes the side of mockery and humor to contest the new customs fees.

The European Commission, following an investigation that lasted more than 9 months, deemed that MG and its parent company SAIC did not meet European requirements regarding public subsidies. Considering that SAIC is a state-owned enterprise, it is not surprising that it benefits from generous privileges. However, it appears that this has gone well beyond what is acceptable, as MG received the heaviest sanction with an additional tax of up to 38.1% while the good student BYD only faces a tax of “just” 17%. What a shock!

After issuing a statement on June 14 to protest against this deemed abusive sanction and to ask the European Union to return to reason, it is now time for relaxation. Certainly not with the aim of improving relations with the EU, but rather to mock with a distinctly Asian elegance. Thus, Shao Jingfeng, the global design director of SAIC, thought that this figure of 38.1 would make a perfect theme for a capsule collection of MG merchandise. Hence emerged the 38.1 line with an unbeatable slogan: “strictly recognized by the European Union for its high-quality cars” along with a reminder of the publication date.

The worst, or the best, is that this line consisting of about twenty products is absolutely brilliant! From mugs to skateboards, including hoodies, socks, or sneakers, all these products are ready to be sold and are bound to fly off the shelves. They embody a part of the automotive history that is currently being written and what a nice nod to a poorly executed protectionist measure. It remains to be seen what tax will be applied to them if they are distributed in Europe…

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