Wednesday 31st January 2007

MG-TF returns to Longbridge

But UK will only see final assembly work

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MG-TF: made in China, assembled in UK

Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC), the Chinese automaker which bought some of MG Rover Group's assets, has announced that it will resume production of MG cars at the Longbridge plant in the West Midlands. It's almost two years since the last car rolled off the line at the facility -- although the plant's role will be confined to final assembly of parts manufactured in China.

Since signing the 33-year lease in 2005, NAC MG has moved the majority of the original MG Rover assembly equipment to its all-new plant located in the high-level New Technology Economic Development Zone in Pukou, Nanjing Province, China, said the company.

The company said its mission is to "revive, maintain and develop MG," and that it will start with the manufacture of the MG TF 2-seater sports car for retail in both the UK and China.

The newly established manufacturing line in Nanjing will be responsible for much of the assembly process, but all right-hand drive MG TF roadster customer orders will be subject to final assembly in the revived Longbridge plant.

According to NAC, "the re-opening of the Birmingham-based plant will bring a welcome boost to the local economy, employing many former MG Rover workers who will provide valuable product knowledge and skills".

Production resumes production in spring 2007, with full specification and further information to be announced later.

[johnnystorm]

Better than nothing I suppose!