Chinese Car Company Plans to Breathe New Life into the MG TF
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp announced Thursday, May 8th that production of the MG TF will begin
again in August of this year. The MG TF has not been in production since 2005 and previous plans to resurrect the car have never come to fruition. The new MG TF is expected to be in showrooms by September. With sales estimated to begin in early 2010.
Nanjing Automobile Corp originally released plans back in 2007 to start production of the MG TF but despite initial fanfare and media attention the company only built 50 preproduction models. Actual production of the MG TF was never completed by Nanjing and the company was later acquired by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.
Ownership of the MG brand has changed hands several times since the 1980s with several failed attempts at relaunching the brand. In fact, SAIC had previously attempted to purchase the company as far back as 2004, but after disputes with the owner at the time and issues with red tape they encountered with the Chinese government the initial deal eventually fell through.
The new MG TF will launch initially in the United Kingdom and Ireland and eventually sales will be expanded to the Western European market. There are no confirmed plans to release the MG TF in the United States yet.
The MG TF will be manufactured in the historic MG Longbridge plant in Birmingham, England. The new model will be given minor cosmetic improvements and will have a 135-hp, 1.8 liter engine. SAIC intends to offer the MG TF in both convertible and coupe models. It is conceptualized as an updated version of the 2005 model.
Although Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp did not detail their production plans Automotive News Europe has reported that SAIC plans to produce four model lines consisting of at least 50,000 total units per year. Along with the TF SAIC plans to make a large car and two cars that will have the Roewe 550 chassis. Versions of the MG Rover 75 sedan are already being sold in China under the name SAIC Roewe 750 and the Nanjing MG7.
The MG TF is an open topped sports car that is an iconic piece of British automotive history. This was the last domestically owned car made in mass production in British automotive history. SAIC intends to restore the MG TF to its former glory and has every confidence that through careful planning and support the brand will once again be competitive. Additionally, the reopening of the Longbridge plant in Birmingham, England will restore many jobs that were lost when the plant closed in 2005.
The MG TF has long maintained a steady following of loyal fans throughout its history. The car has a number of fan web pages, forums and enthusiast groups dedicated in its honor. Many thought that the MG was sadly gone for good and are now anxiously awaiting its return to the roads.