The Morris car brand is currently owned by the Chinese automotive giant, SAIC Motor Corporation Limited. This ownership is a result of SAIC's acquisition of the assets and intellectual property rights of the former MG Rover Group in the early 21st century.
Historical Context and Brand Ownership
The rich heritage of the Morris brand is closely linked to the origins of another well-known British automotive marque, MG. MG cars, which are also under the ownership of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, originated as a sales promotion sideline in the 1920s from Morris Garages. This was a retail sales and service centre located in Oxford, originally established by the influential British motor manufacturer, William Morris.
While the Morris brand, famous for its contributions to British motoring with models like the Morris Minor and Morris Oxford, ceased active production of new passenger cars under its own name in the 1980s, the intellectual property rights, including the brand name and associated trademarks, have been preserved through various corporate transitions. These rights ultimately came under the purview of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited following the dissolution of the MG Rover Group in 2005. This strategic acquisition ensures that a significant piece of British automotive legacy remains within SAIC's portfolio, allowing for the possibility of future brand utilization or revival.
Evolution of Morris Brand Control
To understand the trajectory of the Morris brand's ownership and control, here is a simplified overview of key entities that have held its rights through history:
| Era | Primary Owner/Group | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Early 20th Century | William Morris (Morris Motors) | Founder of the original Morris car company and the brand's namesake. |
| Mid-20th Century | British Motor Corporation (BMC) | Formed from the merger of Morris Motors and the Austin Motor Company. |
| Late 20th Century | British Leyland / Rover Group | Successive consolidations in the British automotive industry. |
| 21st Century | SAIC Motor Corporation Limited | Acquired intellectual property rights post-MG Rover's collapse. |
This table illustrates the journey of the Morris brand's legacy through different corporate structures over time.
