MG Design Centre opens

The slow resurgence of MG at its Birmingham site continues, with the opening of the MG Global Design Centre. Employing a team of twenty designers, the studio will sit alongside parent company SAIC’s European Technical Centre, where almost 300 engineers already work.



But what of vehicle manufacture at the facility? Well, the TF (getting on a bit but great value with UK prices starting at £13,799) continues to be produced there, and assembly of the MG6 hatch is due to begin at the end of 2010.

Meanwhile, MG has decided to rename the internal roads around the Birmingham works, following consultation with fans of the marque. The five names that will be used are Abingdon Avenue, Morris Garages Drive, Octagon Way, Austin Street and Issigonis Road. Funnily enough, BMW Boulevard and John Towers Terrace weren’t chosen.

MG Zero concept

The revitalisation of MG slowly continues, with the firm unveiling its attractive Zero concept at the Beijing Automotive Show.

Developed by MG Global Design at its UK base in Longbridge, the Zero is around four metres in length, making it roughly the same size as a Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo.



Although just a concept for now, it seems highly likely that a toned-down version will make it into production. A replacement is certainly needed for the aged MG 3SW (an MG-badged version of the ancient Rover 25 Streetwise) which is still offered in the Chinese market.

No other technical details have been confirmed yet, and it’s unknown whether MG is planning to assemble the Zero at Longbridge or import it into Europe from China.