First new MG in 16 years rolls off Longbridge line

PRODUCTION of the new MG6 at began today at Longbridge – almost six years to the day since MG Rover closed with the loss of 5,000 jobs.

The mid-size vehicle, based on the Roewe 550 produced by Chinese parent SAIC, is the first new MG for 16 years.

Low volume production of the MGTF sports car began at the south Birmingham factory in 2008 but this was just an updated version of the old MGF produced before MG Rover collapsed.

The new 1.8 litre MG6 is a much different animal and is designed to appeal to the most competitive sector of the UK market, the mid-size family hatchback.

The sector is dominated by the Ford Focus – which has recently been facelifted – and Vauxhall’s Astra. The new car will have its work cut out to make a dent in these sales.

The car will go on sale next month with prices ranging from 15,495 to £18,995.

MG is owned by the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, which is the largest car maker in China.

Although design work for the new car has been carried out at Longbridge, virtually all the parts are sourced from China and ten shipped to the UK for assembly.

Marketing agency Brilliant Media, which is based at Longbridge, has been appointed to plan the media campaign to promote the new MG6.

The media campaign will feature television commercials filmed by Oscar-winner Ridley Scott’s production team.
 

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