Latest News from MG-Rover.org

Its not often we get to post an article that appeared on technology blog site, Engadget, but this is such a time. The new Roewe 350 is entering production in China shortly and it appears the DVD / GPS system runs on Google's Android operating system, which is better known for its use in mobile phones. The 350 itself is based upon the N1 concept car shown last year and is due to be launched at the upcoming Beijing motorshow.

 

The 350 will be able to get all the latest real time traffic reports so drivers can avoid certain spots, the system also allows for direct web access from your car, and oddly it allows you to chat online which is something you really don't want to be doing when you're driving. The 350 will be running the 2.1 Android operating system, which is the same as what you will find in Google's latest Nexus handset.

The Roewe 350 was always set to show ‘the future‘ from SAIC, and it looks like they have actually achieved this by building a car that not only looks good, but has the tech behind it.

The 350 will launch with a 1.5VVT engine, but a 1.5 Turbo engine is also in the works according to various different media outlets. The 1.5l engine is good for 105bhp and 135Nm of torque making it great for inner city jaunts.

Source: Engadget / China Car Times

LONGBRIDGE is being consigned to history after more than 100 years – with a multi-million pound Chinese makeover to turn the site into the nerve centre of MG design worldwide.
The former home of Lord Austin, British Leyland, Red Robbo, Sir Michael Edwardes, BMW and John Towers is to be renamed MG Birmingham, with an MG Worldwide Design Studio at the heart of the new operation.

 

Credit: Birmingham Mail

From the What Car? website - its not official yet so treat it as a rumour..

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.

After what was frankly far too long, the mg-rover.org main site has been overhauled and updated. We can now add news articles again and in addition, we've brought the news page bang up to date with new features. You now have a car of the week picked at random from the members cars which have been submitted. We also now have a selection of featured garages again, from the garages members have uploaded.

 

I apologise for the delays in getting this section refreshed and updated. Yes there is a bit of content missing, but we plan to add this back in over the next couple of weeks.

MG Motor is proud to announce today, the international launch of the MG6, the first all new MG motor car since the launch of the MGF sports car.

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.”

The launch takes place at the Guangzhou Auto show in China and is the beginning of an exciting new global future for the MG brand. The launch in China, the world's largest automotive market begins the international roll out of sales of 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.

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

This summer, two new MGs are being launched to join the highly successful MG TF LE500; the affordable MG TF 135 and a unique new MG that is being produced to mark the 85th Anniversary of the brand, the MG TF 85th Anniversary.

Jack Safiruddin, Sales & Aftersales Operations Manager for MG, said. “With summer kicking in, the launch of two new cars and our recent scrappage announcement regarding a £2000 reduction on the price of a new MG, the next few months will be a very tempting time for customers to get the new sports car they have always wanted.”

MG Motor UK Ltd is delighted to announce its participation in the new Car and Van scrappage scheme announced by the Government in the recent budget. Launching across the UK on 18th May, qualifying customers can expect a reduction of £2,000 against the list price of a brand new MG TF under the scheme with £1,000 coming from the Government matched by £1,000 from MG Motor UK Limited directly.

Customers will be able to take advantage of the scheme when purchasing the existing model, the top of the range MGTF LE500, which will be available under the scheme for a very competitive £14,055 and later this summer, a unique MG which is being launched to mark the 85th Anniversary of the MG brand. The MGTF 85th Anniversary will be a great looking and fantastic handling car. Available in three special colours overlaid with striking graphics and a new design of alloy wheel, from the outside it looks fantastic.

MG Motor UK is pleased to announce that Guy Jones has joined the company as Sales and Marketing Director.

Guy brings significant global automotive experience into the business in sales marketing, PR, aftersales and product development. Prior to joining MG, he achieved notable success as world-wide Brand Manager for Bentley and as Marketing Director for Kia Motors UK.

He will be responsible for UK sales, marketing, PR and aftersales and will play a key role in developing the future of the MG brand.

Guy commented, “I am delighted to join MG at the most exciting time in its 85 year history. MG is a much loved iconic British brand that now has SAIC as a proud new owner, capable of developing the brand on a global basis. SAIC are already playing a leading role in China, now the world's largest car market, and have ambitious global plans for the MG brand. I am looking forward to playing a key role in developing this exciting new business.” 

On the 8th January 2009 NAC MG UK Ltd changed its name to MG Motor UK Ltd.

The change was made to reinforce the presence and image of the MG brand within the parent company's name. 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.

Everything else within the business remains unchanged but communications tools including the web address will, with immediate effect, change to www.mgmotor.co.uk.