Lifestyle: Motoring – MG GS; Aston Martin

BIRMINGHAM-based MG is gearing up for what it hopes will be a busy summer with the eagerly-anticipated launch of its new SUV.

The MG GS is set to launch in the UK in June and the Longbridge company has high hopes for the car.

The Chinese-owned company said research had shown that the cars people were now buying had changed drastically. It said consumers were no longer looking to sports cars for freedom and adventures, as SUVs were offering that and much more.

SUVs and crossovers are the fastest growing segments in the UK and globally. Every car company that has an intention to be successful has gone down this route. So, with these cars offering people the same sense of freedom that sports cars do, bringing out an SUV is a natural fit for MG.

Anthony Williams-Kenny, Global Design Director for MG, said: “The world is changing quickly in terms of what we expect from a product, so our goal is to bring the most up-to-date design trends to our own.

“With MG’s first SUV, we wanted to design a car that would fit in with the MG family and have a slightly different look, of confidence and dynamism, that sets it apart from the other models.”

The MG GS, which will grace the UK roads in June this year, will go on display for the first time at the London Motor Show in May. Potential customers will be able to get up close and take a look at what is a real turning-point in the history of MG.
Designers at Longbridge are said to have relished the opportunity to get involved in what was a core project for MG.

Martin Uhlarik, Deputy Design Director for the UK, described it as the ‘next big leap’.

He said: “The team were full of enthusiasm when the brief was given to them and, with their passion, it translated into their designs.

“The GS came to life in Longbridge, as this is where the design themes started and the interior and exterior looks were pulled together. Consideration for the customer has happened from the very beginning and we’ve aimed to give them what they want.

“We truly believe that we have created a competitive car that shows MG as forward-thinking, consumer-conscious and a great producer of cars that can appeal to anyone at any point in their life.”

Expansion for Aston Martin

How the new dealership will lookASTON Martin is looking to enhance its sales by opening a new dealership in the South West.

Aston Martin Bristol is set to open its doors this summer. It will be based at the massive shopping and leisure development at Cribbs Causeway, close to Junction 17 of the M5 motorway.

The dealership, which is creating 20 new jobs, will be operated by the Dick Lovett Group.

The new 27,000 sq ft showroom will offer the full range of sports cars and customers will have the opportunity to activate ‘Q by Aston Martin’ on all new purchases to create a unique configuration for their car.

Marcus Blake, General Manager, UK and South Africa said: “2016 is going to be an exciting year for Aston Martin and we are delighted to be working alongside the Dick Lovett Group, in opening a new state-of-the-art facility in Bristol this summer.”

Lynn Campbell, Managing Director, Dick Lovett Group added: “We are delighted to be working alongside Aston Martin, an iconic marque of unrivalled heritage. The opening of our new state-of-the-art facility this summer, in our 50th year, will make 2016 even more special.

“The facility has been uniquely designed, nestled into Laurel Hill, and reflects Aston Martin’s core design philosophy and craftsmanship. We are dedicated to providing new and existing Aston Martin owners with a service which surpasses their expectations.”

 

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close