Reuters, The Associated Press
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2006
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LONDON (http://www.iht.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?query=LONDON&sort=swishrank) Nanjing Automobile of China, which trumped a bid by Shanghai Automotive last year to buy MG Rover out of bankruptcy, signed a 33- year lease Wednesday for the factory site of the former British carmaker and said it would begin producing sports cars at the plant next year.
The future of the Longbridge factory in central England had been in doubt since it was closed in April with the loss of 5,000 to 6,000 jobs when MG Rover, the last major British car manufacturer, declared bankruptcy.
Nanjing surprised the automobile industry when it paid £53 million, or $92 million, to buy MG Rover, which had debts of £1.4 billion, in July. It is one of several Chinese carmakers, including Geely Automobile Holdings and Chery Automotive, that are taking steps to follow Toyota Motor of Japan and Hyundai Motor of South Korea in becoming global brands.
Nanjing said it planned to employ up to 1,000 workers and begin production of the MGTF sports car next year.
The deal signed Wednesday was better than unions and local lawmakers had hoped for. The owner of the site, St. Modwen Properties, had suggested last week that Nanjing would only sign another six-month, short-term lease while it considered whether to restart production.
However, the lease, with rent pegged at around £1.8 million a year, does incorporate a six-month break clause in case Nanjing is unable to confirm a viable long-term future for the site.
"We move forward according to our original plan," Wang Hongbiao, the Nanjing chairman, said through an interpreter at a news conference. "Next year we will produce a sports car here. After that, we will produce a car which will make profits."
But Richard Burden, a lawmaker with the ruling Labour Party who represents the Birmingham area, sounded a note of caution.
"My welcome is tempered by realism, first of all about what is being proposed," Burden said. "This is not mass car production at Longbridge."
Dave Osborne, a spokesman for the Transport and General Workers' Union, said that union officials were told that Nanjing plans to produce 100,000 vehicles each year.
Unions had been unhappy when Nanjing won the bid for Rover because it appeared to offer worse prospects for resuming full-scale production at Longbridge than rival offers.



http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/02/22/business/rover.php

Some pictures of the above event:

http://www.chinacarforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=18&stc=1

The UK chairman of the firm that bought Rover's Longbridge plant has said that Nanjing Auto is about to restart car-making in Birmingham.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41523000/jpg/_41523140_longbridgeworks_203.jpg

The BBC has learned that cars could go on sale from July 2007 and Chinese firm Nanjing has said it is keen to re-employ ex-Longbridge workers.
Two production lines remain intact, including the MGTF sports car line.
Some Midland firms have been approached to make parts for Nanjing and more orders are expected.
Speaking through an interpreter, Nanjing's UK chairman Wang Hongbiao told the BBC: "We are going to resume production of MGTF here.
"Maybe in the near future... we will launch some new models to the market."
Nanjing announced in February that it had renewed its lease on the Longbridge plant for a further 33 years and wanted to resume car production. It also has a get-out clause allowing it to walk away.
200 initial jobs
The firm has previously said it could employ 1,000 people. It later changed that number to 600.
On Tuesday, Nanjing said there would be 200 jobs in the first year of production.
The company said the more cars it sells the more jobs it will create. A recruitment drive to find the initial workforce will take place at the end of this year.
Nanjing's acquisition of MG Rover only included the rights to use the MG brand. The Rover brand is still owned by Rover Group's former parent BMW. MG Rover went bust in 2005, at a cost of about 6,000 jobs, and was then bought by Nanjing for £50m ($86m).
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/4877608.stm

http://premium1.uploadit.org/Jester69/longbridge/Picturelongbridge-040.jpg
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This is very exciting. I predict that if Nanjing nurture the business carefully then ultimately they will one day need to make a lot of cars in Europe (due to tarrif restrictions etc). Longbridge is one of the most famous plants in the world and can perform that function well, but only if it has the support of a strong business like the one Nanjing is trying to build in China. Everyone can be happy!

SCOOP!

Thanks to 28 Days Later (http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/index.php).

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b266/cjwinternet/Rover%20Longbridge%20171106/IMG_3706.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k166/moomin-ue/longbridge/11.jpg

"What, producing old models that public never wanted in the first place?"

Thought I'd get it in before a certain other member! Hehe!

Excellent news, old chap! Good to see things moving, or ready to start at least!

Interesting to read some of the text on 28DL too. One of the guerilla-photographers noted engines on testbeds in the "Flight Shed" with notes dated that day. Evidence that that NAC-MG are using Longbridge to develop the G/N-series engines, in addition to preparing for TF and 7Z production.

Days after announcing that production of the historic MG marque was to recommence at Longbridge, Nanjing Automotive Corporation (NAC) is inviting fans to speak with representatives of the manufacturer in a specially-arranged web discussion.
The one-hour discussion will start at 11AM on Thursday 8th February 2007 on mg-rover.org – with MG enthusiasts invited to submit questions to Sales and Franchising Director Stephen Cox in the United Kingdom and Quality Director Paul Stowe in China.
Topics up for debate include the construction status of NAC plants in the United Kingdom and China; partnerships; product validation, reliability and durability information; and NAC’s timetable for 2007.
Paul says: “From the outset, NAC has recognised the positive and pivotal role that enthusiasts have played in the development of the MG brand, ever since Cecil Kimber’s very first car left the factory in 1924.
"Today, NAC not only recognises the historical importance and significance of MG enthusiasts, but is keen to build upon established links with MG enthusiasts worldwide. Stephen and I very much look forward to re-engaging via webchat, with fellow enthusiasts who share our commitment and passion for MG.”
Paul’s Longbridge based colleague Stephen Cox, says: “With only a few months to go until car assembly recommences at Longbridge and the opening of our new production facilities in China, there’s never been a better time to be an MG enthusiast.
Paul and I are excited about getting together with our fellow enthusiasts online, answering their questions and of course,

Cood move by Nanjing ;)

08 Feb 07 usedcars.netcars.co.uk
The first 'Chinese' MG TF rolled off the revived Longbridge production line last week - and straight into a row
Union leaders at Amicus accused new owner Nanjing of giving the roadster a 'kit car' assembly at the revived Midlands plant.

The row came after the Chinese firm admitted that only 250 workers would be based at the factory. That's compared to the 6,000 staff once employed by MG Rover. Nanjing had also initially said the plant would be used for "final assembly" of all right-hand-drive road***sters. Pro***duc***tion, however, would largely take place at the firm's all-new plant in Pukou in China. But a spokesman for the firm has now told us: "The TF will be constructed, welded and painted at Longbridge, and even the body will be made with British steel. It's only the facia that is being built overseas, so fans shouldn't be disappointed." A network of up to 90 dealers is expected to sell the new TF in the UK. Nanjing hopes to shift 89,000 MG models across Europe by 2009, once the final line-up is in place. Meanwhile, a scan of Nanjing's online catalogue at www.nacmg.com reveals this futuristic MG design, which gives a hint of the look of the firm's new range.

And when is the official introducing of this car? I haven't seen any pictures so far.

UK: NAC trumpets return of MG assembly at Longbridge
29 May 2007 | Source: just-auto.com editorial team


MG TF will be assembled at Longbridge

view image

After the cessation of MG Rover production at Longbridge (in the English West Midlands) in 2005, Nanjing Auto (NAC) - the company that acquired MG Rover assets from the administrators - is trumpeting the return of low volume vehicle assembly at the site.

At a ceremony taking place today, media and VIP contingents from both the UK and China will witness the return of MG 'production' (the assembly of kits imported from the production base in China) to the Longbridge factory, the long-time home of this historic marque.

Guest of honour will be Mr Liang Buo Hua, Governor of the Jiangsu Province in China where NAC MG is based and Mike Whitby, leader of Birmingham City Council.

Earlier today, Solicitor General Mike O'Brien, MP visited Longbridge, and personally handed over a letter of support from Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, on behalf of the British Government. Mr O'Brien met senior officials from NAC in the UK and China, as well as Mr Liang Buo Hua.

Some 6,000 people worked at the site when it was owned by MG Rover and it is expected that some 200 jobs at Longbridge will be created through the new investment. Nanjing is staying tight lipped on MG TF volumes.

In the UK, NAC says it has been 'hard at work at the Longbridge plant'. The production lines have been modified to allow the recommencement of manufacturing and the company says that a highly experienced management, engineering and production team is now in place, ready to re-launch MG into the marketplace later this year, initially with the TF sports car.

Production of the cars in China began in Nanjing at the end of March.

NAC also says it fully understands that they need to keep the originality and Britishness of the brand and the UK is the only place where NAC can absorb the essence of British culture and transfer it into MG products.

The role of Longbridge will be as follows:

R&D centre for MG
Engineering & testing of MG models
HR recruiting for China and Longbridge
A purchasing and logistics centre for China and Longbridge
Manufacturing base for the UK and European markets
Sales & marketing base for the UK and Europe
"We realised from the outset of this project that retaining a manufacturing link with the UK is of fundamental importance," says Yu Jian Wei, CEO of NAC. "Longbridge will play a leading role in our European operation and the plant is now in a position to commence TF production for the UK market. This is a very exciting time for MG and it's an important boost to the economy of the Midlands manufacturing region."

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: "Longbridge is part of the fabric of Birmingham's heritage and we are delighted that MG's will roll off the production line once again. "We have worked in close collaboration with NAC to bring about today's announcement. Two years ago, many people thought this day would never come. But as we celebrate a new era for Longbridge, I am delighted that NAC MG will breathe new life into this famous marque.

"This clearly shows Birmingham making the most of international investment, and I am proud of the part the City Council has played to bring it about."

No dealer details.
No model details.
No pricing details.
No warranty details.
No official launch date.
No advertising.
And probably no customers.

F A R C E.

And no new material from you.

Y A W N.

Those will all arrive in the next three months or so, today was the re-launch of the factory :)

New front?:

http://www.autointernationaal.nl/img/fotogroot/TFA6.jpg
http://www.autointernationaal.nl/img/Image/TFA7.jpg
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And no new material from you.

Y A W N.

puppetland do have a point:mad:

New front?:

Yes, and a few changes inside as well :)

http://www.nanqi.com.cn/upfiles/2007530170352.jpg

Here is a rear view, note the winged badge.

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/8749/mgtfox3.jpg

From Automtive News

Nanjing reopens Longbridge amid overblown rhetoric and vague promises
Automotive News Europe Correspondent Tony Lewin files special report from the opening ceremony

Tony Lewin
Automotive News Europe
May 30, 2007 - 6:13 am




Two years after it closed following the collapse of MG Rover, the historic Longbridge car-assembly plant in Birmingham, England formally reopened May 29 under its new owners, Nanjing Automobile of China.

There was no doubt that it was an intensely symbolic moment - but no one could be precisely sure what it symbolized.

Banners were draped all round the Longbridge works, which in its heyday was the hub of the UK automotive industry as well as one of the biggest car plants in the world. The banners proclaimed "MG - a new journey," yet the destination and even the distance of that journey are still shrouded in uncertainty.

Even the cavalcade of 20 classic MG sport cars and the release of thousands of balloons along with cannons spraying fountains of confetti had a hollow ring to them. Behind the few frontline buildings hastily spruced up by Nanjing Automobile lay the vast industrial wasteland that once built more than 360,000 cars a year. Much of Longbridge has now been sold off to provide space for fitness centers, a bowling alley, cinema and hotels.

Nanjing is expected, at best, to make 15,000 MG TF sports cars a year here, and even then the bulk of components are shipped from China. Just 130 employees - out of 6,000 when MG Rover collapsed in 2005 - will be tasked with assembling them.

A sliver of hope is still better than nothing. Longbridge should be glad at the very least, there's some hope. Even if Nanjing has the capabilities of Toyota, it'll still take some time.

The only way Longbridge will eventually get back to the glory days is for MG to quickly become wildly popular, not just in UK, but all over Europe and US. Then Longbridge can build the cars to meet the demand of those markets.

The sporty 2 seater looks great - how does it stack up to the likes of a Mazda Miata (MX-5)?

Anyone got the full specs on this car? L x W x H, engine size, weight, fuel economy, 0-60, RWD or FWD or AWD, price, etc. etc. I'd appreciate it!!!

Specs for the new version are not yet available but you can take a look at this slightly broken copy of the 2005 website for the old specs: http://www.mgroverdealer.com/mg_GB_en/static/mg_tf.html

The engines will be new improved EU4 specification ones which I am expecting to produce a little more power, although the 160 engine will probably not be available to start with.

Whats it like? Its one of those cars where the people who like them love them and the people who don't like them claim they are rubbish!

Thanks!!!!

If they can get the quality and price right, they should be able to give the Miata a run for the money!

In the UK it consistantly outsold the Miata at the original price so with a lower price should have no problems doing so again.

The Miata has been updated but it still doesn't look as good to me and looks are very important for that sort of car.

That's good!

Though what I had in mind is the US market, where the Miata rein supreme (with no competitors). And yes, the new Miata is hella ugly...

I surely hope MG come to the US soon! I had a 99 Miata for a while and really enjoyed it, hope I can get my hands on a TF in the future!

Paul Stowe at http://paulstowemg.blogspot.com/

Friday, 1 June 2007
Longbridge Re-opens for Business
So the big day has come and gone, my BLOGS up to now have been generally mild mannered and tempered to reflect a conservative approach to ‘reporting’. I never intended my BLOG to be hard-hitting, or even critical – but unfortunately my temper has been stretched after watching Tuesday’s reports by the media.
Don’t misunderstand me, I’m not naive enough to have expected a rose tinted view on the opening of Longbridge – however I had hoped for an open minded approach to something that none of us ever believed we would see happen only 2 years ago.
Let me start by putting things into perspective.
Mid April 2005 will forever be etched on the hearts and minds of 1000’s of employee’s, suppliers, family’s and anyone associated with the Longbridge plant. It became clear during the days and weeks that followed, that there wouldn’t be any white knight in Shining Armour, no government rescue, not even a commitment from the preferred savior from China.
We watched as negotiation after negotiation, hope after hope disappeared into the distance, all we could do was observe, as our lives were ripped apart, livelihoods eradicated, dreams destroyed and futures left in doubt. The government poured millions into re-training and investigating what had caused such a disaster. The gates were locked and the plant mothballed, any future for the site looked bleak – former workers were told to move on, find new employment and leave the past behind.
Then a little known Chinese automotive company called Nanjing Automotive Corporation, managed to outbid a number of rivals to purchase the brand, the assets and the legacy that was MG and Longbridge. I wonder if they knew what they had exactly purchased? How deep the feelings for MG and Longbridge went, how significant the closure of Longbridge was to so many people, and just how well respected the MG brand was across the world. They made – some would say – ‘rash’ decisions and announced a commitment to keep Longbridge at the heart of MG’s future.

So a long journey started, a journey that meant an enormous investment by NAC in both time and money, immense challenges faced the company. With no production facility in China, no workforce, no suppliers, no infrastructure, no modern systems and no dealer network – NAC rose to the challenge and systematically achieved every goal that was set before them. One of those goals was the re-opening of Longbridge for production; May 29th 2007 was the internally issued date for this enormous challenge, and as with all of the official claims made by this company, that day saw a magnificent celebration to celebrate an achievement that few of us believed we would ever see again.
So why I am so angry you may ask? Well having spent the whole day answering questions by the British media, it became very apparent from the first discussion with journalists at 6.20am that the tone would be negative. I conducted over 25 interviews, and almost everyone followed the same script: Why weren’t we employing 1000’s of ex-mg-rover employee’s? Why aren’t we releasing new vehicle platforms? Why haven’t we already enlisted dozens of dealers? And why do we believe we can make a success of MG, when BMW, and P4 failed miserably?
There was no mention of those dreadful days in 2005, no mention of the investment made into the brand’s future, not even a whisper of the massive achievements made by NAC. All the broadcast media would do, was convey a pessimistic view on the whole proceedings. Maybe its because I have been out of the country for a while, and I have been used to a press association that try’s to reward great achievements and success, a system that promotes employment and regeneration, and actively encourages investment by ‘foreign’ companies.
I discussed this situation with various journalists, and tried to explain that without NAC we would could have been cutting the ribbon to yet another Lego land housing estate, or opening a trading estate providing consumers with more electronic gadgetry they didn’t know they needed. I tried to convey the fact that this was merely the beginning, and our plans extended far into the distance. Let NAC be judged over 5 to 10 years, not just a few months. Yes we have started conservatively, but I would rather be involved with a slow burning revolution, rather than a flash in the pan. We have all seen those who arrived spouted great things and systematically worn the company and its employee’s down to the ground, started large and brash and ended just as quickly.
Criticizing a company for employing local people, providing local investment and declaring a positive outlook for manufacturing at the heart of the British motoring industry doesn’t quite seem a balanced view – but then again maybe I’m biased?I truly believe that this is the re-birth of MG, not only in China – but also in the UK, and who knows maybe across the world. Good Luck Longbridge and NAC UK, but most of all good luck MG.


Posted by Paul Stowe

Paul Stowe at http://paulstowemg.blogspot.com/

So why I am so angry you may ask? Well having spent the whole day answering questions by the British media, it became very apparent from the first discussion with journalists at 6.20am that the tone would be negative. I conducted over 25 interviews, and almost everyone followed the same script: Why weren’t we employing 1000’s of ex-mg-rover employee’s? Why aren’t we releasing new vehicle platforms? Why haven’t we already enlisted dozens of dealers? And why do we believe we can make a success of MG, when BMW, and P4 failed miserably?
Posted by Paul Stowe

But NAC called a press conference on that day - for what exactly? Not a lot it would seem, except to show off three MG TFs in new colours - and, ,er, that's it. :rolleyes:

There is no denying that NAC have done well in building their MG plant in China, in such a short time, but their proposed UK operation looks less convincing.

The UK operation should be fine just making the TF. After all Lotus survive with the Elise, and how old is that? NAC do need to think about a replacement soon though.

Well written on Paul Stowe's part :thumb:

To be frank though the MG7 is the only model that will date easily in the Western Markets not so much China.

As mgrovernut mentions Lotus' Elise is old platform so the sporty MGs won't a replacement say another 3-5yrs.

NAC definitely deserve praise for keeping the Longbridge factory open :D

But NAC called a press conference on that day - for what exactly? Not a lot it would seem, except to show off three MG TFs in new colours - and, ,er, that's it. :rolleyes:

I think reanimating the corpse whose grave you so joyfully danced on WAS worthy of note.

Longbridge. Open. Cars coming out of Q Gate again. Smiles on faces all round. Two years ago, even those of us with the most rose-tinted of spectacles doubted that ever happening.

Good luck to them.

PS: Keith Adams has written a pretty fair report (http://www.independent.co.uk/living/motoring/features/article2609679.ece) of the day.

I think reanimating the corpse whose grave you so joyfully danced on WAS worthy of note.

Well, I always predicted that MG Rovers ending would resemble a giant airliner doing a spectacular crash landing - while others were adamant that all cars coming out of Longbridge were made to order. :rolleyes:


Longbridge. Open.

Only to receive crates with components labeled MADE IN CHINA.

Cars coming out of Q Gate again.

You're dreaming. Nothing has happened yet.

China's SAIC to revive historic Longbridge UK plant - from Auto News:

MG's former Longbridge, UK headquarters has been pretty quiet since production ceased in 2005. Newly-merged owners SAIC and Nanjing want the clatter of carbuilding to once again echo through the plant and plan to base their European and overseas operations there. The plant itself has the capability to build up to three different models; the challenge is deciding which of the former rival's products to build there. MG TF roadsters will likely lead the charge, with cars due at retail locations by March 1st. MG Rover holdovers could return to their roots if SAIC/Nanjing decide to build the MG 3 and MG 7, while the newly deisgned Roewe W2, pictured above, looks like a solid possibility, as well. In addition to manufacturing, R&D and sales efforts will also be strengthened. From the sound of things, it won't be long before Longbridge is once again turning out cars (some of the same cars, even) at a healthy clip.

well thats cool

SAIC: Lonbridge, UK factory to be online in Q2 2008.

China’s biggest automaker, plans to re-open a Longbridge, U.K. car plant in the second half of the year, resuming production at a factory that closed three years ago when MG Rover Group Ltd. collapsed.

The factory will initially make MG-TF roadsters. It may add other models later, Vice Chairman said today in an interview at an event to mark the opening of a Beijing research center. He didn’t say how many cars the plant would make a year.

SAIC Motor, Great Wall Motor Co. and other Chinese carmakers plan to open factories overseas as rising domestic competition crimps profit margins. The Longbridge plant, in central England, employed 6,000 workers when production was halted in April 2005.

MG’s customer loyalty will continue to support sales in Europe,” said a Shanghai-based director at CSM Asia, which advises automakers.

Europe is SAIC Motor’s most important overseas market, although China is the company’s first priority because of the strong demand here.”

The MG Owners’ Club is the largest in the world serving a single marque, according to its Web site. Trial production at the Longbridge plant began in May.

Nanjing Automobile Group Corp., which bought the MG brand for $97 million in 2005, also planned to open a plant in Oklahoma. This project is now being reviewed after SAIC Motor agreed to buy Nanjing Auto’s auto-making assets last year.

It’s hard to say if we’ll continue that plan before the assessment is completed,” said Chen.


source: China car Times

MG plant in UK to start operation.
13.05.2008, Beijing. SAIC Motor Corp will begin production of the MG TF LE500 roadster at MG Rover's old Longbridge plant in the UK in the beginning of August, the China Business News reported today.

The MG TF LE500 roadster will be first sold in UK, according to the report.

MG will focus on product research and development and production after planning, integration, quality improvement and auto parts optimization, said He Xiaoqing, general manager of the UK firm.

Current plans indicate that the Longbridge plant will produce four models, including the MG TF sporty car, a large-size sedan and other two models that share a platform with the Roewe 550.

The four models will be produced locally at the Longbridge plant, not assembled simply by importing spare parts from China.

Currently, MG brand vehicles that have entered or will go on sale in the market include the MG TF, MG3, MG7 1.8T. SAIC Motor will also start selling the Roewe 550.

In 2009, SAIC Motor will launch its self-developed mid-sized sedans under the name MG6 to complete the MG portfolio.

Currently, SAIC Motor has three independent auto brands: Roewe, MG and SsangYong. The automaker has plans to launche small-displacement Roewe and MG vehicles, according to Huang Keji, general manager of Nanjing MG Automotive Co Ltd.

In the future, all of SAIC Motor's engines below 1.8 liters will be produced by MG PowerTrain, Huang said.
Source: China Daily


Nanjing UK gets new head for production start.
May 13, 2008 - He Xiao Qing is the new chairman of Nanjing Automobile Corp.’s UK business.

He, who replaces Wang Hong Biao, will oversee the restart of MG production in England as head of NAC MG UK, which is based at the former MG Rover factory in Birmingham.

He will oversee the launch of the TF LE500 roadster, which begins production in August. Three other models are set to follow.

"I am delighted to have been appointed at such an exciting and busy time in this young company’s history," He said.

The 44-year-old executive already has experience in legal affairs, international trade and management and in international finance with NAC.

NAC bought the assets of MG Rover in 2005 after the British automaker collapsed into administration.

The Chinese firm was bought by its larger domestic rival SAIC for 2.1 billion yuan (about 196 million euros) in December.
From:Auto News

Second boost for car industry as Nanjing sets a start date for UK production.
June 19, 2008 - The Midlands automotive sector has received a second major shot in the arm with the news that MG owner Shanghai Automotive has told UK dealers it expects to produce 600 of the new TF LE500 models between the start of production in August and the end of the year.

That came as the new boss of Jaguar told Birmingham executives yesterday that the company is staging a fight back against its rivals .

He spoke out just 24 hours after Jaguar Land Rover revealed plans to launch a recruitment drive to find up to 600 new employees, less than a month after a £1.15 billion takeover by Tata Motors of India was completed.

SAIC’s UK dealers says first of the new sports cars are expected to be in UK showrooms in September and price details are expected to be released in the next few weeks.

Nanjing Automotive, which had previously owned the Longbridge brand, appointed 50 UK dealers last summer ready for the scheduled launch of the model in September last year.

Following its merger with SAIC at the start of this year there had been concerns that the dealership arrangements could change. However, one dealer has now confirmed that the original supply agreement is being upheld and the first cars will be rolling off the production lines at Longbridge very shortly.

Luffield Cars in Loughborough was the first UK dealer appointed to sell the TF.

Managing director David Woods said: “We had struggled for a long time to get information from China about what might be happening.

“However, following the completion of the merger things have become a lot clearer and SAIC seems to have got its act together.” Mr Woods said the company appeared to have resolved problems caused by the withdrawal of Stadco from its agreement to supply body panels for the new cars.

“Production has started in China of the steel panels, which are now being produced on new presses. The word is that the quality is much better, which is very encouraging.”

“We have been told that production at Longbridge will be ramped up in July and the cars will be produced from August ready for delivery in September. They are expecting to make around 600 units between now and the end of the year.

“There is no word on costs yet but I have taken part in a cost clinic recently and prices should be released soon,” he added. Mr Woods said he was also optimistic about the future of the brand with new models said to be in the pipeline.

It has previously been announed that there are plans to produce new models at Longbridge, which will include a replacement for the ageing TF, which first hit UK roads in 1995.

An updated replacement is expected in 2010.

Of the other new models there is speculation they will include a new luxury saloon, possibly an updated Rover 75, plus a new mid-range model, possibly a European version of the Roewe 550 which was one of the stars of the recent Beijing Motor Show. Meanwhile, Geoff Cousins, managing director of Jaguar UK, said he was confident Indian owner Tata had bought the company “for the right reasons”.

Speaking at the Breakfast Connections event run by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Birmingham Forward, and held at the Botanical Gardens, he admitted Jaguar faced big challenges and was still behind some of its premier competitors.

Mr Cousins admitted: “We have been on the back foot for a long time. We have been beaten up.” But he said the new Jaguar XF had given confidence to everyone at the company.

SAIC confirms to start British MG TF production in August.
June 19, 2008 - Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), now the Chinese owners of the marque MG, has reaffirmed plans to start production of the MG TF sports car at the former MG Rover factory in Longbridge, in the West Midlands region of England this August.

Speaking at a shareholders’ meeting, SAIC President Chen Hong said that the car will go on sale at more than 40 dealers in the United Kingdom by the end of August or in early September.

"We will do it step by step," he said. "We will start with Britain and will consider selling to other markets eventually."

Nanjing Automobile Corp purchased the assets of the collapsed MG Rover in 2005 for about $100 million. The automaker originally announced plans to start production of the cars in 2007, but since then, it has been acquired by SAIC.

Sources: Birmingham Post and Gasgoo

Longbridge car plant back in action to make MG TF

August 01, 2008

Full-scale car production is due to restart today at one of the UK's most famous plants after a three-year closure.

Chinese company Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) will begin manufacturing two-seater MG TF sports cars at the former Rover plant at Longbridge in Birmingham.

A number of pre-production MGs have already been made at the West Midlands plant whose assembly lines were halted in April 2005 when MG Rover went into administration.

SAIC said in July that nearly half of the 700 MG TFs it hopes to produce by the end of the year had already been sold.

The company has 55 dealers across the UK and the first cars, which will cost about £16,400, should be with customers by next month.

There are about 165 workers in place at Longbridge and numbers are likely to be increased following a recruitment drive.

MG Rover was bought by Chinese company Nanjing Automobile Corporation, which has since been taken over by SAIC and is already planning other "exciting" new models.

About 6,000 jobs were lost in the closure of Longbridge which had opened in 1905 having been started by one of the great names of British motoring - Herbert Austin.

As well as making cars, Longbridge turned out munitions in the First World War and planes in the Second World War.

In 1959, production of the iconic Mini began at Longbridge by which time Austin had been amalgamated with Morris and become the British Motor Corporation. The company names then changed thick and fast, and included British Leyland, BL, Austin Rover, Rover and MG Rover.

http://www.gasgoo.com/auto-news/7283/Longbridge-car-plant-back-in-action-to-make-MG-TF.html

Longbridge announces new range of cars to be built in Birmingham.
http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/automotive-business/2008/08/27/longbridge-announces-new-range-of-cars-to-be-built-in-birmingham-65233-21621757/

MG, fresh from the successful relaunch of its TF roadster, has revealed details of a whole series of new models to be produced at Longbridge.

Safe in the knowledge of secure investment from its Chinese parent, Shanghai Automotive (SAIC), the company is planning a new large-size family car, a mid-range/small family car, a supermini and a replacement for the TF. There is even speculation that it could produce an MG-badged SUV, which would be a first in the company’s long history.

The first of the new models will be a variant of the Roewe 550, the large car which is was launched to acclaim at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year.

The 550 already has a strong British pedigree having been designed and engineered at the Shanghai Mechanical Technical Centre in Leamington Spa.

It is likely to go on sale in 2010 and will be pitched against rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and the Vauxhall Vectra replacement, the Insignia.
The car will look different to its Chinese counterpart but will share the same platform. This will mean it can be quickly introduced to the production line at Longbridge.

The company will also have a more established dealer network by the time the car goes on sale and there are high hopes it will be able to compete with its more established rivals.

The lessons learned from the sale of the TF roadster are likely to be invaluable as it looks to secure a foothold in what are very different markets to those sought by the sports car.

The next model is said to be a Ford Focus size vehicle, which will pitch the company into the most competitive section of the car market.
However, it is relishing the challenge.

Spokeswoman Eleanor de la Haye said: “MG’s future is secure and there is a commitment to expanding the automotive business both in China and in Europe.

“We have been on site here for three years and have been through some difficult times but that is behind us and we are looking forward to the future.”

“Although the TF is a relaunch, all the other vehicles will be brand new,” she added.

In addition to the enhanced dealer network – which is likely to comprise around 55 outlets in the UK, the company has improved its production model, set up a new logistics chain, an after-sales service and has the UK-based design centre.

The TF will initially be launched in the UK and Ireland but by next spring this will have been expanded to include Italy, Spain, France and Germany and beyond that to other English speaking markets such as South Africa.

There is no word yet on whether the sports car will be sold in the United States but it is not ruling this out.

It believes there is vast potential for the sports car and it will act as a flagship for the MG brand throughout the world, while there are hopes that the new models could also find a market outside the UK.

The 550 is already proving popular in China, where more than 8,000 have already been sold, despite it only being on sale since April.

The TF is also proving a hit with the Chinese, with more than 2,500 models already sold.

In the UK, advance orders for the special edition LE500 have been strong, with 80 per cent of the 500 limited run already being snapped up despite the car not going into showrooms until next month.

However, British buyers will not have long to get acquainted with the roadster as a replacement is already being planned and the model could be available in around three years time.


MG production at Longbridge good for the Midlands.
http://www.birminghampost.net/birmingham-business/birmingham-business-news/automotive-business/2008/08/27/mg-production-at-longbridge-good-for-the-midlands-65233-21621976/

The news that MG is to invest in new models for assembly at Longbridge is welcome news not just for the company but for the Midlands economy as a whole.

New jobs, secure investment and the continuation of a motoring heritage stretching back more than 80 years is an enticing proposition. But sentiment alone will not be enough to guarantee the future success of the company.

When it does come to launch its new products on the market the rejoicing at the brand’s rejuvenation could be short lived because the company is likely to face some stiff competition in the various sectors it has chosen to compete in.

The first model will be a European variant of the Roewe 550, which will be equivalent in size to a Vauxhall Vectra.

The 550, which has been designed and engineered by MG parent Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation at its Leamington Spa-based technical centre, was unveiled to the public at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year and has been well received.

China’s emerging middle classes are increasingly becoming more affluent and desire a status symbol to go with it. The initial success of the Roewe 750, based on the old Rover 75, suggests that the car will find a ready market in China.

However, even upgraded for the European market will that success be repeated here - in what is one of the most competitive and overcrowded motoring sectors.

MG has not said where the vehicle’s market placing is likely to be but it is thought that it will pitched against the likes of the class-leading Ford Mondeo and the Vectra replacement, the Insignia, together with others including the Mazda 6, Toyota Avensis, Renault Laguna and Peugeot 407.

The MG will have to offer a lot more than the strength of its badge if it is to make inroads against these heavyweights.

However, the company is not deterred by the challenge and the lessons it will learn from the TF LE500 will be invaluable. If it can produce high specification cars very cheaply – something which MG Rover never could – then it may have it unique selling point and hence create a niche in the market.

Spokeswoman Eleanor de la Haye said: “The success of the Olympics has shown that when China puts its mind to something then it will see it through and make it work.”

Do not under-estimate this. The Chinese are in this for the long-term.

There may have been teething problems with the beginning of the project but the acquisition of Nanjing by SAIC has been the making of MG.
Behind it now is a company with 33,000 employees and one which sold 1.3 million vehicles in 2006, generating a profit of around £667 million.

Predictions are that the company could be worth around $22 billion – something which would make most motor manufacturers drool with envy.
The Roewe 550 variant will be brought on-stream very quickly, largely due to the shared platform it will be based on.

The tools can be adapted quickly and such is the spare capacity at Longbridge that accommodating production will not be a problem.

It is likely to be a more luxurious offering than the Chinese version, reflecting the more sophisticated European buyer. It will also be badged as an MG, underlining its desirability.

The car’s current styling betrays its Asian origins and the European model is likely to be facelifted to reflect different tastes, however, what is underneath the skin is likely to be little altered.

The car could be showrooms by 2010 and the company will be able to take advantage of a more mature dealer network by then.

Following the 550 variant will be a new Ford Focus rival – probably the most competitive of all car markets – and then a new supermini, which will have a ready market provided it fulfils the basic requirements of this sector, which is primarily economy – both in terms of price and running costs.

In three years’ time there will be a replacement for the TF, which by then will be a 20 year old design. No details on the costings of these models has been proposed but all will have to be carefully marketed if they are to achieve buyers, however, if the Chinese have their way then there will only be one victor.

New name for MG

19 January 2009 - Chinese-owned MG has changed its name to “reinforce the presence and image of the MG brand”.

Since being taken over by Nanjing Automobile Corporation in 2005, MG has been operating as NAC MG UK Ltd, but will now be called MG Motor UK Ltd.

“It is anticipated that the new name will help strengthen the company’s reputation and re-emergence in the market by emphasising the already well known MG brand,” said the company in a press statement today.

MG recently relaunched the MG TF with a limited-run model called the MG TF LE500

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/MG-TF/237046/

Production halted at Longbridge.

Production lines at the MG Rover plant in Longbridge have been stopped and up to 20 employees could be made redundant, the BBC has learned.

Production of the MGTF sports car restarted at the factory last year.

It is thought production work will not restart until next March, BBC Midlands Today Transport Correspondent, Peter Plisner, said.

MG Motor UK Ltd, previously Nanjing, said it was making some workers redundant but had not decided how many.

In a statement, the company, which bought MG Rover's assets following its collapse in April 2005, said: "Clearly this is a difficult time for employees and it would be irresponsible to make this a bigger issue than it is".

Peter Plisner said the firm had confirmed 2009 production of the MGTF model at Longbridge had now ended.

Under Chinese ownership, it was hoped that new models would be built at the plant and more jobs created.

But in April MG Motor UK Ltd said it could not make assurances of long-term employment stability for staff due to the current economic climate.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/8291612.stm

Production of MG6 gets underway at Longbridge:
http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/2011/04/13/mg6-production-underway-in-longbridge/

http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/207329_10150163151317910_51303692909_6631863_76184 05_n.jpg

Production of the MG6 is now underway at MG Motor UK Limited’s Birmingham factory in Longbridge, almost six years to the day since the Administrators were called in at MG Rover Group Limited.

This represents an important new phase in MG Motor UK’s development - since SAIC Motor Corporation Limited took control of the company in 2008, a total of only 906 MG TFs have been built in a series of batches. The MG6′s final assembly process and the number of cars being produced – which, according to Sales and Marketing Director, Guy Jones, will be between 2000 and 3000 per annum for the moment – represents an exciting new start for the factory.

SAIC Motor’s decision to resume MG production in the UK has never been in doubt since 2008, although it didn’t look that way before the company’s merger with former MG owners, Nanjing Automobile (Group) Corporation (NAC). However, the good news is that this re-commencement of volume production will keep some 400 people in employment. It’s still a modest investment, though, and a demonstration of SAIC Motor’s commitment to under-promise and over-deliver – the assembly process remains very much a CKD operation with cars being built and finished here from large Chinese-built sub-assemblies.

AROnline has already covered the MG6′s UK introduction in great depth and, with a growing Dealer Network, the car should meet these modest targets -especially given the keen initial pricing of the entry-level models, excellent dynamics and overall style. Guy Jones told us at the car’s launch, ‘we’re building MG slowly, and the petrol-only line-up fits our plans. By the time we have additional capacity, the diesel will be online.’

Today marks a significant and, hopefully, historic step forward for the MG marque and MG Motor UK. However, with the cars now rolling off the line in the Longbridge facilty, the company must now press forward with its future model plans – and decide precisely what part MG Birmingham will play in those.

I remember the day after work at The Boeing Company's Everett plant picking up a magazine that had a MG on it, it was on the very back page of the magazine in an ad. The MG was new then, it was in 1998, one of the latest ones built in Europe. Nice looking rig-I sometimes envision buying one of these, though I don't think there's plans to even import them in to the U.S. at this time.

Are these Chinese-built MG's gonna go to the U.S.? Anyone know?

To achieve that and still maintain MG's traditional values, it had to look, sound and feel like a racing car without sacrificing its road comfort.

Chinese premier starts UK trip with MG6 car launch:
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2011weneurope/2011-06/27/content_12779633.htm

Does anybody know how many MG6 have been sold in the UK so far?

In June SAIC managed to sell 48 MG's:
http://es.autoblog.com/2011/07/09/ventas-junio-2011-reino-unido/

:clap::clap::clap:
very impressive!
go MG!!

They sold 11 cars in April and 50 cars in May. That makes a total of 109 MG6 sold so far.

That's really disapointing.