MG U.S. CEO confirms plans for five models
In a July interview by Inside Line published Monday, the president and CEO of MG Motors North America/Europe, Duke Hale, went into considerable detail about Nanjing Automobile's plans for the MG brand, both in the U.S. and in Europe.
Highlights of the interview include:
- the manufacturing/R&D facility in Oklahoma is definitely going ahead
- Nanjing will build three MG sedan models in China
- MG Motors will build a modified version of the MG TF roadster in the U.K., and a coupe variant (artists concept pictured) of the roadster in Oklahoma
- the MG TF roadster will (re-)launch first in the U.K., then Europe, in mid-2007, followed by a U.S. launch in mid-2008
- the MG TF coupe will debut in 2008
- watch for a MINI-like campaign to revive the MG brand image in the U.S.
- MG Motors plans 300-350 dealers in the U.S.
Read the full interview here.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
rwdmtparkingonly 3:49PM (8/15/2006)
"MG's products would seem to have few unique attributes, unlike BMW's distinctive MINI." - Hello? A two box fwd car is distinctive and a mid-engine convertible isn't.
That's pretty bad ass that the Chinese are comming here with real sports cars, but I'll let other people be the test subjects, at least for five years.
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mike 3:52PM (8/15/2006)
Halle-frekin'-lujah!!! A REAL 2 door, TWO SEAT, FIXED HARD-TOP, SMALL CAR!
AND it's coming to the US!!! (the coupe version is coming to the US, right?)
If that isn't cause for buzz i don't know what is. Maybe I will try to get a few more miles out of my car now that there is some hope.
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Ben Drawbaugh 4:29PM (8/15/2006)
Is it FWD?
If not, then I am waiting!
I used to love my 72 MGB and long for a small car that is RWD. Other than a few convertibles, there just aren't any in the US. Lets hope it has more than the 80HP my MGB had.
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Howard Kerr 4:30PM (8/15/2006)
I wish I wasn't saying this, but considering this company is built from the WRECKAGE of the former Rover/MG company and it will be headed by two guys who helped put that company in the grave....I suspect this will fizzle out before it ever gets to the U.S. market.
Since Rover's (REALLY) old sedan models, the 75 excepted, were based on early '90s Honda designs and they were poor sellers when the company folded...they will need DRASTIC redesigning to compete in today's markets. They will really be pushing it to get the MGTF into Europe by '08, so don't look to see this here in America before 2010.
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Bob_Ericson 4:35PM (8/15/2006)
"watch for a MINI-like campaign to revive the MG brand image in the U.S."
Are you kidding? I've never seen a Mini commercial. I can't recall a print ad either. The only campaigns that stuck out were things like MickeyDs giving away one or some other such twaddle.
I'd say whatever success the Mini enjoys wouldn't be as a result of any "campaign".
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MTH 4:37PM (8/15/2006)
Affordable sport coupes are not a crowded market. I for one would consider this car if the quality is there. What else could I buy that had a litlle cache for the money?
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glacia00 4:45PM (8/15/2006)
Although I'm not as excited as mike I do share the sentiment. A 2-seater hardtop is pretty rare. I can't think of one currently being offered. And if they keep the MINI concept of not making it some overpowered monster and yet keep it stylish (which the MINI is not) then it could be a very unique vehicle.
Although I agree with the article in that if they simply produce just another sportscar that is all HP and no thought I will yawn and lose all interest.
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rwdmtparkingonly 4:57PM (8/15/2006)
This car, the TF, is a mid-engine with a transverse I-4 and (quite obvious with engine location) rwd. It has been on sale in the UK since at least 2000 and was a big MR2 competitor there, both even offered automated manuals. The TF had optional forced induction. These schetches indicate a design update, and a fixed roof and LHD will be new if this updated version gets made.
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JayP 5:13PM (8/15/2006)
They'd better hurry. Anyone around in the US that remembers seeing an MG dealership is probably a little aged.
Mini marketing has been more about lifestyle and less about performance. MG will have to do better.
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dave 7:05PM (8/15/2006)
i had 3 "b's" a tc and a td, much fun to drive, however the quality was crap. had to carry a tool box and towing isurance for all. why then did i buy them? pure fun. no if's ands or buts, pure fun. don't expect the quality to be much better, and the true downside, "communist country!"
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Edmund Dantes 9:38PM (8/15/2006)
A failed British company, now owned and run by the Chinese, with manufacturing and R&D in America. I just don't see it working.
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Charles 10:18AM (8/16/2006)
The MG TF was on sale in the UK from 2002-2005.
A four-model range includes the 1.6-litre TF 115, the 1.8-litre TF 135, the TF 120 Stepspeed with multi-function CVT sports auto and the range-topping TF 160 with the legendary Variable Valve Control K Series engine.
Prior to this it was call the MG F with only the 1.8-litre engine producing 120bhp in standard form and 145 in the VVC model.
It is a mid-mounted RWD car that gets a bit tail happy.
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walter 11:05AM (12/12/2006)
as before...yes pre 72 was the last real MG...but for sure it had it's problems...drove A's And B's for fun..and if I happened to get to my destination??tools had a boot full(most don't even know the meaning)durning production and for many years after MG's could be seen all the time...now????talk with a 20 year old and they have not a clue of what you speak...the new motorhead is a different cat..if you can write on this subject...guess what...old..the only thing I like about the new(2000 on ?)is the the make name..but would still rather talk of MG...than a dodge neon
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Kent Rafferty 12:12PM (12/16/2006)
I think it's a very intelligent strategy: It would take a Chinese company YEARS to build a "Nanjing" (or whatever) brand identity in Europe and North America. By building under the "MG" name, there is instant (and mostly positive) recognition - even by
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