You may have noticed that MG is back in the UK and building new models.
The historic British marque spent several years in limbo before being resurrected by first, Nanjing Automobiles, and then Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).
First reviving the TF roadster, under SAIC’s new ownership MG has since launched the MG6 hatchback in the UK earlier in 2011 – dubbed the first new car MG has released in the UK for 16 years.
Both the MG6 hatch, and the follow-up MG Magnette, a sporting saloon variant, on sale since July are both built at Birmingham’s Longbridge – and MG says there are new models in the pipeline.
MG is convinced that its latest models evoke the qualities that made the brand successful in the first place, summed up by Peter Brooking, MG’s marketing manager for the UK, at the launch of the MG6.
“MG6 is not just the first all-new MG model for several years but it’s a true MG with all the hallmarks which have made the brand so popular throughout its long history. It’s a striking, high quality car that is also practical and sporty."
With the unveiling of the smaller MG3 in China and plans to bring it to the UK, things could be on the up for MG.
We spoke to Doug Wallace, PR and events manager at MG, to find out where the brand is going in the future.
The MG6 is the first UK MG model in 16 years; tell us about it.
The launch of the MG6 GT was significant as it is the first all-new MG in the UK for 16 years and marks the start of a new era for MG. We followed the GT with the MG6 Magnette four-door saloon and both have been well received.
Is the use of the Magnette name a conscious effort to target UK buyers?
The Magnette was the name of one of the most famous saloons built by MG so it was appropriate that this famous name was revived for the latest MG sports saloon.
What makes new MG cars 'British' cars?
[The MG6] is designed and engineered by a team of over 300 professionals here at MG Birmingham, where final assembly also takes place.
The hallmarks of MG - great handling and dynamics and value for money in a sporty brand, for example – are part of the package of our modern MGs just as they were with MG classics of old.
Will the Longbridge plant build any future MG models?
We are busy with the two models we have at present. It is too early for decisions on future models at present.
Will MG go back into motorsports?
MG and motor sport have always been intertwined. The dynamic handling of both the new cars has been highlighted in Press road tests so the sportiness of the car is important to us.
We have recently announced that we are back again involved in international motorsport with our partnership with Team RLR in the Le Mans Series of endurance racing.
MG sold 250 cars in 2010 and should eclipse that figure in 2011 by the end of October. What sort of sales should MG have in the UK in five years?
Obviously our hope is that the brand will grow from our new beginnings and sales will increase as more models come on-stream. From sales of a few hundred TFs, which we were building until recently, we will expand to thousands.
Exactly what the figures will be in five years time is difficult to predict as that depends on a whole range of factors. But we are very optimistic about our future.