Car production at the Longbridge manufacturing facility has finally re-started after a break of over two years.
Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC) commenced the build of the first new-era MG TF roadster at the plant yesterday (29th May). The cars will go on sale in the UK market next year.
For now, the factory is little more than an assembly plant with parts arriving from China, a fact reflected in the staff count of just 150. In time, there are ambitous plans to manufacture TF bodies at the facility and even an all-new car.
“We realised from the outset of this project that retaining a manufacturing link with the UK is of fundamental importance,” says Yu Jian Wei, CEO of NAC. “Longbridge will play a leading role in our European operation and the plant is now in a position to commence TF production for the UK market. This is a very exciting time for MG and it’s an important boost to the economy of the Midlands manufacturing region.”
"The UK is home to MG and it has a profound affection for MG. MG is the pride of the British people. It has a glorious past. We are the inheritors of this brand and we will continue to push forward our internationalisation strategy and continue to write new chapters for MG. Longbridge has an irreplaceable role in the MG project. It is in the front line of our internationalisation strategy. This is the rebirth of MG."