The new MG 6 hatchback will be sold in Europe from the end of this year, according to the chairman of MG's parent company.
China’s largest car maker, SAIC, bought MG Rover’s Longbridge plant in 2007 and it plans to sell the British-built MG 6 in British and European dealerships.
SAIC chairman Hu Maoyuan told Reuters that production of the MG 6 would begin at Longbridge later this year and European sales would follow immediately after.
“We want to get our UK plant up and running," he said. “MG models will not only be sold in Britain but also in other European countries through its existing dealership networks.”
Final production plans have yet to be revealed, but Maoyuan said one option would be to make knocked-down MG 6 kits in China which would then be assembled at Longbridge.
“The idea is to take advantage of the existing MG sales network in Europe as well as the cost advantage in China,” he said.
Maoyuan said the firm has yet to set any sales targets for the UK but is confident the history of the MG badge will ensure the new company is a success.
“We have no sales target in the UK or other European countries,” said. “MG is pretty well known there, though.”
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