New MG unveiled to be built at Longbridge

The first all-new MG for 14 years has gone on show in China and by the end of next year the new car will be built on a production line at Longbridge, it was revealed today.

mg6Based on the Chinese-made Roewe 550 – which itself is based on a shortened version of the old Rover 75 – it will be called the MG6 when production starts in Birmingham.

The new model will be produced in saloon and hatchback form and will complement the two-seater MGTF being built at Longbridge.

Early production models have been revealed at the Guangzhou Auto Show which opened yesterday.

The launch in China, the world’s largest automotive market, begins the international roll out of sales of the MG6 which includes the UK. Sales in China will begin in January and plans for the UK and other markets will be released during 2010.

A spokesman for MG Motor UK Ltd said: “This new model marks the start of one of the most exciting periods in the 85 year history of the iconic MG brand, as it prepares to expand globally, starting with the world’s largest automotive market in China.”

Guy Jones, sales and marketing director for MG Motor UK, said: “This is a milestone day for the iconic MG brand and for the UK automotive industry.

“MG has begun the international launch of an all-new model that has been designed and engineered here in the UK, for the global automotive market.

“Currently we only build and sell the mid-engined TF sports car here in the UK, but we can now look forward to expanding the range of MG products.”

It was also announced at the Guangzhou show that production of the MG6 for the China market will begin at the brand new state of the art factory in Lingang, China in December 2009. It is planned to commence production of the MG6 at the Birmingham plant in the UK before the end of 2010.

Staff