About Nanjing Automobile (Group) Corporation (NAC)
In July 2005, NAC successfully purchased parts of MG as part of an international strategy and also established two companies in the UK, Nanjing Automobile Corporation (UK) Limited and NAC MG Limited. After its successful acquisition of MG assets in 2005, NAC has gained a higher status in the automotive industry, and support from Chinese government, the Jiangsu provincial government as well as Nanjing civic government.
NAC’s mission is to “revive, maintain and develop MG” for the benefit of both Chinese and global consumers, and plans to produce and sell MG cars in the UK as well as in China. NAC has undertaken to “carve out, innovate, strive to be the best and create an iconic brand” with MG.
MG Timeline of Events
22 July 2005: NAC acquired the assets of the MG Rover Group and Powertrain Ltd.
10 March 2006: NAC-MG project was approved by China’s National
Development and Reform Commission.
27 March 2006: NAC-MG Project’s grand foundation stone was laid in Nanjing Pukou New & High Technology Industry Development Zone.
6 June 2006: NAC-MG Project’s first batch of car parts was exported to Europe.
22 June 2006: The NAC Institute of Automobile Engineering was established.
23 July 2006: NAC MG UK joined the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd (SMMT), and became the first Chinese member in their one hundred year history.
17 July 2006: NAC held a media event in London UK to announce MG cars’ global strategy.
15 August 2006: MG’s first dealer recruitment event was launched in China.
In August 2006, MG’s second batch of parts was exported to Europe.
22 August 2006: NAC was recognised as one of China’s first car exportation bases by Ministry of Commerce of People’s Republic of China and National Development and Reform Commission.
In August 2006, MG was appraised by Boston Consulting Group as one of the 100 potential companies to be trans-national groups and was granted the title of “New Global Challenger”.
13 September 2006: NAC and the Export-Import Bank of China signed the framework in London for the loan agreement for the NAC MG UK Project, so as to support the growth of MG’s UK business and the implementation of its global strategy.
26 September 2006: MG Powertrain was established, using the same name of the internationally recognised brand established by MG Rover
13 October 2006: NAC-MG project signed a supply agreement with renowned British car parts supplier Stadco. The implementation of a global sourcing plan for MG’s overseas projects, and optimised resource portfolio strategy began to accelerate.
8 December 2006: The Export-Import Bank of China endorsed a 500 million RMB loan to support the MG project. The MG project gained significant support from Chinese government.
28 December 2006: The first MG K V6 2.5L aluminium engines came off the production line at the production facilities in Pukou, Nanjing. The first test was successful and results showed that these engines were superior to those of all the V6 engines made in China. MG now produced world class engines for mid and high grade cars.
8 January 2007: In a¡¡meeting of MG’s suppliers, MG declared that it would produce MG cars to the highest international standards.
26 January 2007: MG Rover signed a contract with NEC, one of the world’s top 500 companies. They will collaborate in building BCS production information control systems, thereby introducing the concepts of production facilitation and cost control.
30 January 2007: MG held a brand event named “Heartbeat from England” to disclose the new MG brand proposition and the brand new slogan “raise your heartbeat”.
12 Febuary 2007:, The British Ambassador to the People's Republic of China (Sir William Ehrman, and British Consul General Shanghai, Carma Elliot OBE, visited NAC-MG’s production base located in the Nanjing New & High Technology Industry Development Zone.
27 March 2007: First MG cars to roll off the production line at the Nanjing Pukou production facility. This signals the important development of the first international car brand in China.
MG Brand Introduction
With an 83 year history, the MG octagon logo is synonymous with tradition, culture and heritage.
This historic British brand was sold worldwide in over 80 countries and earned praise such as the “best-selling sports car in the world”, “manufacturer of the best quality sports car” and became well known for its speed record achievements. During its history, the brand became one of the best respected institutions within the British automobile industry.
MG has produced numerous classic models and boasts the world’s largest fan club. Many loyal fans regard it as a “drivable treasure”. Of all the British car brands, MG enjoys one of the longest and most illustrious histories with an influence that has reached out around the world. Having made a significant contribution to the world’s sports car market, MG not only established the reputation for British cars but also changed the face of the sports car scene in the United States.
In 2005, MG was introduced in China. Its Chinese name “Min Jue” communicates deeper connotations. MG now becomes a brand for the new Chinese elite who enjoy great career achievement and cultural accomplishment, and who combine sophistication with passion. The brand signifies their personality and taste and also represents their values and spirit.
The slogan, “Raise Your Heartbeat” originates from MG’s brand proposition: get in and raise your heartbeat. This phrase perfectly encapsulates the impression that MGs have always made on consumers while also conveying the characteristics and ultimate goal of the products. Meanwhile, MG conveys the common spiritual link between the brand and its consumers.
MG is not only the best ambassador for British cars in the Chinese market, but will also inherit and carry forward the authentic British car culture in China.
The Nanjing MG Automobile Co., Ltd
Nanjing MG Automobile Co., Ltd (NAC MG) was founded in the Pukou High-Tech Development Zone on March 27, 2006. It was established by the Nanjing Automotive Group Corporation (Nanjing Automobile) following the acquisition of the assets of the 100-year old MG Rover company and Powertrain Limited of the UK in order to enhance their capacity and development, and restructure their product offering.
With a total investment of RMB 3.5 billion, NAC MG covers a total area of 1,200 mu, and has a total floor area of 300,000 m2. It owns the world’s largest powertrain factory also boasting one of the largest product ranges. It is China's sole automated welding plant and houses a production line developed in the UK. Future annual production capacity is estimated at 200,000 whole vehicles, 250,000 engines and 100,000 gearboxes.
The development of new models has been undertaken by NAC MG.. Using the advanced foreign R & D and production equipment, MG Automobile plans to achieve advances in development, enhance R&D capability, and establish itself as an international brand with class leading products using the latest technology. The NAC MG has integrated British culture and heritage into its products and has become the first international high-end brand in China. It endeavours to “accelerate people’s heart beats”, and aims to create a brand for the Chinese upper class with products which will demonstrate their success, passion and personality.
NAC MG is initially focusing on the production of the MG7 and MG3 saloons, and the MG TF sports car. Using its extensive R & D and innovation capabilities, MG Automobile will launch one or two new vehicles every year. In addition, its entire range of engine products will also enhance its competitiveness in the powertrain domain, and provide strong support for the development of new products and its drive for higher levels of efficiency and greater economies of scale.
NAC MG has set its international objectives. It plans to exploit the domestic and international markets using the two manufacturing bases in Nanjing and the UK. Therefore, it is estimated that production will reach 200,000 vehicles within five year which is considered to be both competitive and sustainable. In addition, NAC MG will take full advantage of the strength of the former MG brand and former international sales network to promote the first international brand produced in China, allowing rapid entry into the international market. It aims to create a strong Chinese-owned international automobile brand and become a global player.