Last week we learned that SAIC got hit with the highest level of tariffs resulting from the EU investigation into subsidies for Chinese EVs. These provisional tariffs are set to be implemented from July 4. Despite SAIC fully cooperating they are subject to the same level as car companies which did not cooperate with the European Commission’s investigation.
SAIC’s immediate response appeared to be displeasure and denial as evidenced by the letter we previously reported on. The response now seems to have changed to derision with the 38.1% becoming a badge of honor. Although SAIC has a number of different brands, its MG brand is the one most affected by the EU decision. Two days ago, Shao Jingfeng, SAIC’s Global Design Director responded in kind with two new MG logos riffing off the 38.1 of the tariff. The slogan underneath says “Carefully selected by the EU, good quality cars.” He also commented “What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger” and said let’s remember 38.1 and appealed to netizens for ideas about what to do with the designs.
Today Shao Jingfeng released on Weibo pictures of merchandise based on these designs adding to the merriment. The so-called peripheral products based on these include bicycles, badge covers, baseball caps, socks, coffee mugs, T-shirts, canvas shoes and others.
Chinese netizens seem to be lapping it all up. Comments included “I didn’t expect SAIC to be so good at playing, I’m laughing like crazy”, and “Whether you want to buy a car or not is another matter, but these peripherals need to be supported.” Currently, there is no word as to whether SAIC will actually produce any of these products but it seems they would be missing a trick if they don’t make at least some of them.
Another person responded suggesting that SAIC make a special 38.1 edition of the MG4 to sell in Europe. Last year the MG4 was Europe’s sixth best-selling EV with sales of 72,421 units. MG reportedly sold 231,818 cars in Europe last year, but this figure also includes ICE sales and presumably this figure also includes sales in countries not part of the EU. SAIC’s MG has been the best-selling Chinese brand there for 12 consecutive years.
Let us know in the comments which of the merchandise you like.
Sources: Weibo, Fast Technology
Investigated only three? How lazy can you get. Perhaps hot weather anticipated.
Yes, please sign me up for a coffee mug and a hat. Thank you.