We are currently seeing a significant increase in sales and we are seeing significant renewed interest in TF. Year to date sales are at least 50 per cent up on this time last year. I think it’s come off the renewed interest in the brand due to the publicity we have off the back of MG 6, at the moment it’s good news. I think its reached Iconic status at the moment with no real direct competition any more and is in its own place in the market. We focused on the 135 price position so it offers superb value for money and going forward I foresee demand exceeding supply for this year.
How do see it competing with the MX5?
I think really now quite a few of the journalists say it doesn't really compete with the MX5. The MX5 has been developed as a softer vehicle, more of a cruiser. Whereas what we did with the TF, especially the 85th Anniversary is focus it more as a driver's car, almost back to basics - a sports car experience with the right driving and handling balance. With the price position and the good specification of the 135, under £13,800 it sits at a difference place to the MX5, which is more expensive. The MX-5 is more modern, but less engaging and less 'pure'. Due to the way Mazda have gone with the MX5, the two cars have different appeals and aren't in direct competition any more.
During the Phoenix years the MG brand was always a driver's car. The Rover brand was there to offer a more luxury, softer option and MG was able to focus on the driving experience. How will the new MG brand differ, it at all and will it have to stretch to cover what would have been offered by the Rover alternatives?
Ah, good question! I think when MG Rover existed, the brands had to be artificially separated because they were essentially the same car trying to appeal to two different sets of people. The good thing with the MG brand is that it's always had amazing appeal across all age ranges and across the sexes. The ZR had one of the broadest owner profiles of any car in that sector.
You can see from the TF, the MG6 and the MG Zero concept that they are being true to the brand in terms of their appearance and the way they drive. Take the reviews of the MG6 recently in Autocar and Auto Express - it drives best in class with the ride & handling compromise so we are being true to the brand. Despite some people being upset that the first car being produced isn't a replacement for the TF, we need to create a volume brand now because there isn't Rover now to give you the Volume, MG has to be both sporty and volume.
So I think it's now unlimited, it was somewhat limited in the past because of Rover and it's not so much the brand being stretched, it's more like it can now be unleashed, if you will and can have wide appeal and yet cater for the MG fans who want a pure driving experience.
How would you describe the sales of TF LE 500, 135 and 80th models since their launch?
