New MG Models for Longbridge

 

MG is preparing to restart production of saloons at the former Austin factory in Longbridge, Birmingham.

The MG6 – a model that's slightly bigger than a Skoda Octavia – will start rolling off the production lines in four- and five-door form in October.

Initially, it will be available with only petrol engines, but diesels will follow 12 months later when the factory – now rechristened MG Motor Birmingham – will begin exporting cars to mainland Europe.

MG is now owned by the China's Shanghai Automotive (SAIC), the successor to the company which bought the Longbridge assembly lines and tooling when Rover went bust.

'Affordability and sportiness'
The MG6 is an Anglicised version of Shanghai Automotive's Roewe 550, which is based on a modified version of the old Rover 75 platform. MG is promising 'affordability and sportiness' as the cornerstones of its strategy in Europe.

More new models on the way
The MG6 will be the first of three models expected to be made at the Longbridge site: a VW Golf-sized car based on the Roewe 350, and a new model to be revealed at the Beijing motor show in April will be the other two.

There will also be a smaller model that's expected to be about the same size as most European superminis. A concept study of how that car might look is expected to be displayed at the Beijing motor show.

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