MG opens new sales centre at Longbridge
CHINESE-owned MG UK is to open a new sales centre at its Longbridge plant to boost the profile of its latest venture, the MG6.
The motor company is keen to make inroads into the UK market with the mid-size car and believes a showpiece showroom at the marque’s traditional home will be a major marketing coup.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) launched the new MG6 in April with plans to produce around 3,000 of the new vehicles in the first year. It is targeted at the budget mid-size market both in the UK and Europe.
The company is hoping the prestige attached to the MG badge will still be a major factor in attracting buyers.
China’s Premier Wen Jiabao visited the MG plant during a visit to the UK in June. There were hints then that further developments could be on the cards at the factory, which is one of China’s most high-profile British investments.
The factory has masses of spare capacity to utilise should sales warrant production increases.
The new sales centre opens on Friday and will coincide with the final stages of ‘The Great British Charity Test Drive’, a fundraising initiative to support of Macmillan Cancer Support and Help for Heroes.
The opening of the new sales facility will see one of the biggest Macmillan coffee mornings ever held.
Those attending will also be given the opportunity to test drive both the MG6 GT fastback and the MG6 Magnette sports saloon.
Clint Cordle, MG Motor UK’s Marketing Manager, said: “We’re planning a fun, family event to mark what is an important development in the new MG story.
“The brand is about fun and this will be a great way to celebrate. But we’re also hoping the celebrations will be well supported so that we can give even more support to Macmillan, which is such a worthy charity.”
