MG plant reopens

The former MG Rover plant in Longbridge, Birmingham reopened today. Three new 2-seater MG TF sports cars were rolled out of the production line at a ceremony marking the official reopening by new Chinese owner Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC).

The ceremony was attended by Senior Chinese government and company officials. Not sure whether any senior British Govt official attended.

At present, the Chinese firm employs just 150 people at the plant. However, the new owners have promised to create 1200 new jobs.

Industry analysts remain skeptical, however. Read the BBC report here.

For your information, the Rover brand name was bought over by Ford.

MG cars production to resume

Nanjing Automobile Corporation, the new Chinese owners of will resume production of iconic British MG sports cars at Longbridge. The company has indicated that it will reopen the plant in a few months and intends to employ a number of former MG Rover workers.

The last car rolled out of Longbridge almost 2 years ago in April 2005. The bankrupt of the MG Rover Group was then taken over by the Nanjing Automobile Group for an undisclosed amount.


2002 MG TF at Yate Car Show, UK. Taken by Adrian Pingstone