MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008

saturnsteve · 07-12-2006, 08:50 AM

Nanjing to build MG plant in Oklahoma, sell cars in U.S.
Chinese automaker Nanjing Automobile Group — which took over Britain's MG after its collapse in 2005 — plans to build a factory in Ardmore, Oklahoma to builds the next-generation TF coupe, the company announced today. A new research and development center will also be set up at the University of Oklahoma. As previously rumored, MG's Longbridge plant in the U.K. will be used to build the roadster version of the TF. Nanjing plans to build between 12,000 and 16,000 TFs per year. About 60 percent of TF output for the world will come from the United States, while 40 percent will come from Europe. The automaker will also use a third plant in China to build MG sedans. The new MG cars will go on sale in the United States in early summer 2008, the automaker said.

Hudson · 07-12-2006, 09:21 AM

Three plants for a company who has yet to export ONE MG-branded vehicle! Heck, they haven't even sold ONE in China yet.

Bravada · 07-12-2006, 09:29 AM

OMG, this is absolutely over the top - an MG made by a Chinese company in the US. How in the world are they going to utilize Longbridge's capacity with a low-volume bodystyle of a low-volume, almost handbuilt car? Anyway, I hope they will fix the MG TF issues - even though I loved the car, you could read so many horror stories about windows falling into the doors and such.

But actually that, along with Zhongua, are two Chinese manufacturers I don't mind that much. Well, I haven't seen the cars yet, but I hope they will be no worse than the last MG range.

**nadepalma** · 07-12-2006, 10:46 AM

Source: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../60710024/1065

MG Resurrected
Beloved brand plans return to the States in ’08
By BOB GRITZINGER
AutoWeek | Published 07/12/06, 9:40 am et

MG, the venerable British marque not sold in the United States since 1980, is planning a return to North America as a key component of a global revival strategy.

China’s Nanjing Automobile Corp., which bought the MG brand after MG Rover collapsed in 2005, announced the formation of MG Motors North America/Europe Inc. and plans to start vehicle production in Nanjing, China; Longbridge, England; and Ardmore, Oklahoma. Nanjing executives are expected to provide detailed plans for MG at the British International Motor Show in London July 17.

MGs will first be sold in Europe in 2007, followed by reintroduction to the United States in late 2008. Three sedans, formerly known as ZR, ZS and ZT, along with the TF Roadster and TF Coupe will be sold in European markets, while the U.S. launch will feature the TF sports cars followed by two sedan models.

Leading the MG revival is U.S. automotive executive Duke T. Hale, who will serve as president and CEO of MG Motors. Hale resigned in February after two years as CEO of the Lotus brand in the States; he also has worked for Volvo, Mazda and Isuzu.

MG—short for Morris Garages—got its start in 1923 building sporty versions of Morris cars. MGs were first imported to the States in 1947, launching the British sports car craze in America.

According to newspaper reports, the official announcement about U.S. production is supposed to come later today.

**nadepalma** · 07-12-2006, 10:48 AM

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/m...ooooooklahoma/

MG TF Coupe will be built in Ooooooklahoma

It's where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain. It's where the corn is as high as an elephant's eye. And now it's where the first Chinese owned auto factory will be opened in the United States. Ooooooklahoma!

Today Nanjing Automobile Group will announce that the company will build the MG TF Coupe at a factory in Ardmore, Oklahoma by 2008 and locate its American and European headquarters 90 miles north in Oklahoma City. The new plant will create 500 new jobs for the area. The MG TF Roadster, meanwhile, will be assembled at MG's plant in Longbridge, England.

This will make Nanjing the first Chinese automaker to truly enter the U.S. market, though the fact it will be offering a revered nameplate sets it apart from other Chinese automakers intent on arriving in the U.S., like Geely and Chery, both of which plan to offer freshmen marques.

New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 · 07-12-2006, 10:50 AM

There goes the Solstice and Sky sales. Many "Boomers" have a high regard for the MG. They ARE nice little cars. My brother bought one in 1970 before he went to Vietnam when he was at Fort Sill.

If "Boomers" have a choice between the Solstice, Sky, Miata and MG, I'm sure the Miata and MG will have a higher "perception" amongst those consumers.

And for all of us who are so "passionate" about the Corvette being the ultimate American car, the MG was the inspiration for the Corvette.

**nadepalma** · 07-12-2006, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Today Nanjing Automobile Group will announce that the company will build the MG TF Coupe at a factory in Ardmore, Oklahoma by 2008 and locate its American and European headquarters 90 miles north in Oklahoma City.

This seems awfully odd -- their American AND EUROPEAN HQ on US soil? I know that MG-Rover is owned by the Chinese now, but wouldn't you think an iconic British brand would have it's HQ in the UK? I could understand having it's US arm establishing a base of operations in the OK and then having it overseen by the powers that be in China and Britain...just odd to me.

ocmdog · 07-12-2006, 10:51 AM

Pretty ambitious of them to consider/follow through with plans for a plant as well. They must be really sure that they are going to have continued success in market they haven't been in in over a decade. Good luck.

SUPERBADD75 · 07-12-2006, 10:59 AM

if they're not building this, i'm not interested at all.....

SkiPopeye36 · 07-12-2006, 11:01 AM

I had both a 74 GT and 80 Limited Edition at the same time. Loved those cars and am still punching myself for selling them. My dad has a 79 roadster in near mint condition. They didn't have much power back then, but **************** were they fun to drive and easy as hell to work on...

Can't wait to see what they bring back. I'm a little skeptical about them since they are now a chinese company. At least maybe they won't have the constant electrical gremlins that almost all UK cars have...

New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 · 07-12-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkiPopeye36

I had both a 74 GT and 80 Limited Edition at the same time. Loved those cars and am still punching myself for selling them. My dad has a 79 roadster in near mint condition. They didn't have much power back then, but **************** were they fun to drive and easy as hell to work on...

Can't wait to see what they bring back. I'm a little skeptical about them since they are now a chinese company. At least maybe they won't have the constant electrical gremlins that almost all UK cars have...

Yea, my brothers car got stolen shortly after he got back from Vietnam. I mentioned that car to him over Christmas, and you could see this look in his eyes...not quite welling up, more like a lost puppy. Man, he liked that car.
I've actually though of me and my other brother getting together to buy him a used MG.

I'm actually kind of looking forward for a return of the MG. That'll be cool. Even though I'm not really into 'em. I'm sure I'll see allot at SCCA events. I wouldn't mind driving one.

I think the main market will be retiring "Boomers".

CADILLACSIXTEEN · 07-12-2006, 11:20 AM

Hey do you think any of the stolen secrets were involved in this??? hahahaha...

lets all go rush out and buy this Chinese parent company car.

ByTheLake · 07-12-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

There goes the Solstice and Sky sales. Many "Boomers" have a high regard for the MG. They ARE nice little cars.

I'm a "boomer" that had a beloved 1967 MGB and would kill for one today.

We boomers might also recall how slow those MGs were and how much maintenance they required. They also dropped oil like the Exxon Valdez.

I have no doubts that a new MG would have better reliability, but that MG in the pictures looks purely boring. I'd take a Sky or Solstice over the MG.

New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 · 07-12-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByTheLake

I'm a "boomer" that had a beloved 1967 MGB and would kill for one today.

We boomers might also recall how slow those MGs were and how much maintenance they required. They also dropped oil like the Exxon Valdez.

I have no doubts that a new MG would have better reliability, but that MG in the pictures looks purely boring. I'd take a Sky or Solstice over the MG.

Funny you mention that. I was at a gas station a few weeks back and saw on older MG getting filled up. I talked with the guy. It was a '58 MG. And yea, he was actually putting in a quart of oil. Me mentioned the lack of power thing and the oil thing. I would think with today's technology that those issues would be reduced. The other drawback is it is a Chinese firm.

Actually, I've seen a few MG's on EBay, for less than 10 grand.

SigEpCutlass · 07-12-2006, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66

There goes the Solstice and Sky sales. Many "Boomers" have a high regard for the MG. They ARE nice little cars. My brother bought one in 1970 before he went to Vietnam when he was at Fort Sill.

If "Boomers" have a choice between the Solstice, Sky, Miata and MG, I'm sure the Miata and MG will have a higher "perception" amongst those consumers.

And for all of us who are so "passionate" about the Corvette being the ultimate American car, the MG was the inspiration for the Corvette.

Um not really. My Dad falls into that category and has owned just about every one of the popular MG's mentioned. It just isn't the same company anymore. I don't think these "MG's" have the same appeal, and the fact that they're owned by a Chinese firm doesn't help either. I don't think that this is anything at all. It'll probably be a flop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUPERBADD75

if they're not building this, i'm not interested at all.....

I think my Dad would have exactly the same sentiment.

07-12-2006, 08:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
saturnsteve 4.4 Liter Supercharged Northstar Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Oklahoma City Drives: 2006 Ford Fusion 2005 GMC Envoy XL Posts: 2,088	MG's to be built in Oklahoma!! Nanjing to build MG plant in Oklahoma, sell cars in U.S. Chinese automaker Nanjing Automobile Group — which took over Britain's MG after its collapse in 2005 — plans to build a factory in Ardmore, Oklahoma to builds the next-generation TF coupe, the company announced today. A new research and development center will also be set up at the University of Oklahoma. As previously rumored, MG's Longbridge plant in the U.K. will be used to build the roadster version of the TF. Nanjing plans to build between 12,000 and 16,000 TFs per year. About 60 percent of TF output for the world will come from the United States, while 40 percent will come from Europe. The automaker will also use a third plant in China to build MG sedans. The new MG cars will go on sale in the United States in early summer 2008, the automaker said. __________________ Cars.com Field Sales Manager

07-12-2006, 09:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
Hudson 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,226	Re: MG's to be built in Oklahoma!! Three plants for a company who has yet to export ONE MG-branded vehicle! Heck, they haven't even sold ONE in China yet.

07-12-2006, 09:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bravada 70 MPG Two Mode Saturn Hybrid Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Warsaw, Poland Posts: 10,848	Re: MG's to be built in Oklahoma!! OMG, this is absolutely over the top - an MG made by a Chinese company in the US. How in the world are they going to utilize Longbridge's capacity with a low-volume bodystyle of a low-volume, almost handbuilt car? Anyway, I hope they will fix the MG TF issues - even though I loved the car, you could read so many horror stories about windows falling into the doors and such. But actually that, along with Zhongua, are two Chinese manufacturers I don't mind that much. Well, I haven't seen the cars yet, but I hope they will be no worse than the last MG range. __________________ Debunking the myth - GM has too many brands Only @ GMI!

07-12-2006, 10:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
nadepalma GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 5,630	MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008 Source: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl.../60710024/1065 MG Resurrected Beloved brand plans return to the States in ’08 By BOB GRITZINGER AutoWeek \| Published 07/12/06, 9:40 am et MG, the venerable British marque not sold in the United States since 1980, is planning a return to North America as a key component of a global revival strategy. China’s Nanjing Automobile Corp., which bought the MG brand after MG Rover collapsed in 2005, announced the formation of MG Motors North America/Europe Inc. and plans to start vehicle production in Nanjing, China; Longbridge, England; and Ardmore, Oklahoma. Nanjing executives are expected to provide detailed plans for MG at the British International Motor Show in London July 17. MGs will first be sold in Europe in 2007, followed by reintroduction to the United States in late 2008. Three sedans, formerly known as ZR, ZS and ZT, along with the TF Roadster and TF Coupe will be sold in European markets, while the U.S. launch will feature the TF sports cars followed by two sedan models. Leading the MG revival is U.S. automotive executive Duke T. Hale, who will serve as president and CEO of MG Motors. Hale resigned in February after two years as CEO of the Lotus brand in the States; he also has worked for Volvo, Mazda and Isuzu. MG—short for Morris Garages—got its start in 1923 building sporty versions of Morris cars. MGs were first imported to the States in 1947, launching the British sports car craze in America. According to newspaper reports, the official announcement about U.S. production is supposed to come later today. __________________ Email: nadepalma@gminsidenews.com "La vita è come un albero di Natale..c'è sempre qualcuno che ti rompe le palle!" "You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves" -Abraham Lincoln "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried" -Winston Churchill "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress" -John Adams

07-12-2006, 10:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
nadepalma GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 5,630	Re: MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008 Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/m...ooooooklahoma/ MG TF Coupe will be built in Ooooooklahoma It's where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain. It's where the corn is as high as an elephant's eye. And now it's where the first Chinese owned auto factory will be opened in the United States. Ooooooklahoma! Today Nanjing Automobile Group will announce that the company will build the MG TF Coupe at a factory in Ardmore, Oklahoma by 2008 and locate its American and European headquarters 90 miles north in Oklahoma City. The new plant will create 500 new jobs for the area. The MG TF Roadster, meanwhile, will be assembled at MG's plant in Longbridge, England. This will make Nanjing the first Chinese automaker to truly enter the U.S. market, though the fact it will be offering a revered nameplate sets it apart from other Chinese automakers intent on arriving in the U.S., like Geely and Chery, both of which plan to offer freshmen marques. __________________ Email: nadepalma@gminsidenews.com "La vita è come un albero di Natale..c'è sempre qualcuno che ti rompe le palle!" "You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves" -Abraham Lincoln "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried" -Winston Churchill "In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress" -John Adams

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07-12-2006, 10:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (formerly sunny New Mexico (y muchacho lo falto)) Drives: '02 Corvette Z06, '01 Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab, 19 Posts: 5,674	Re: MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008 There goes the Solstice and Sky sales. Many "Boomers" have a high regard for the MG. They ARE nice little cars. My brother bought one in 1970 before he went to Vietnam when he was at Fort Sill. If "Boomers" have a choice between the Solstice, Sky, Miata and MG, I'm sure the Miata and MG will have a higher "perception" amongst those consumers. And for all of us who are so "passionate" about the Corvette being the ultimate American car, the MG was the inspiration for the Corvette. __________________ 1979 Chevy Van 1978 Pontiac Firebird 1985 GMC S-15 Jimmy 1992 Pontiac Grand Am 1998 Oldmobile Intrigue 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 1972 Chevrolet C-10 P/U 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2001 Chevrolet Silverado LT 4x4 Ext Cab "Sometimes you gotta say, 'What the *******'. "What the ******* gives you freedom, freedom creates opportunity, ... opportunity - makes your future." - 'Risky Business' 1983 Last edited by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66 : 07-12-2006 at 10:55 AM.

07-12-2006, 10:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
ocmdog 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Providence, RI Posts: 699	Re: MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008 Pretty ambitious of them to consider/follow through with plans for a plant as well. They must be really sure that they are going to have continued success in market they haven't been in in over a decade. Good luck.

07-12-2006, 10:59 AM	#9 (permalink)
SUPERBADD75 6.2 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: at the corner of walk and don't walk Drives: 2008 Trailblazer LT3 2009 Mustang Posts: 2,899	Re: MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008 if they're not building this, i'm not interested at all..... __________________ Acura: Because if you want a really nice Honda, there's only one choice. "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." --Albert Einstein - 2008 Trailblazer LT3 - 2009 Mustang SUPPORT AMERICA: BOYCOTT WAL-MART

07-12-2006, 11:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
SkiPopeye36 Walking Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 12	Re: MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008 I had both a 74 GT and 80 Limited Edition at the same time. Loved those cars and am still punching myself for selling them. My dad has a 79 roadster in near mint condition. They didn't have much power back then, but **************** were they fun to drive and easy as hell to work on... Can't wait to see what they bring back. I'm a little skeptical about them since they are now a chinese company. At least maybe they won't have the constant electrical gremlins that almost all UK cars have...

07-12-2006, 11:20 AM	#12 (permalink)
CADILLACSIXTEEN 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Drives: 2006 Fusion Orange Metallic Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe Posts: 1,399	Re: MG to return to US & build US factory for 2008 Hey do you think any of the stolen secrets were involved in this??? hahahaha... lets all go rush out and buy this Chinese parent company car. __________________

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