Design centre heralds new era for MG
A NEW automotive design studio set to dictate the shape and engineering of the next generation of MG cars has opened at the firm’s Longbridge home.
SAIC, Chinese-owner of the MG UK operation, has set up the new centre at the former plant to spearhead the design of future MG and Roewe cars.
The 200-strong team of designers has already worked on the new Focus-sized MG6 vehicle – which goes on sale in the UK shortly – and more new models are expected to follow.
The eventual hope is that the models will be produced once again at the Longbridge facility, which currently assembles the mostly-Chinese produced MG TF sports car, although this model is set to be phased out.
The centre will be responsible for the design of all of SAIC’s own-brand products worldwide and for all of MG and Roewe cars.
Longbridge still has three regularly-maintained assembly lines so it will be able to step up production when demand dictates.
The launch of the MG6 model could pave the way for the production of thousands of new vehicles, which would transform MG from its current niche status into a volume producer akin to MG Rover, prior to its demise.
The new model although destined for the UK’s roads, could also mark the beginning of a major export drive.
