MG ZERO concept car could be built in Birmingham
Apr 24 2010 by Edward Stephens, Birmingham Mail
THIS trendy little car could be the latest MG scheduled to be built in Birmingham.
The ZERO concept car has just been unveiled at the Beijing Automotive Show and company bosses are anxious to judge the public reaction to it in the UK and Europe.
The car will be built in China but if the response is favourable here it could well be one of the future models for the Longbridge production line.
The MG ZERO Concept car has been developed by MG Global Design team, led by British MG design director Anthony (Tony) Williams-Kenny, based in Birmingham.
At around four metres in length it shows the design direction of the brand and demonstrates how MG is intending to expand into this high-volume sector of the market.
The bold interior has clean and simple lines and the car uses the latest technology touch screens to allow passengers to interact with the world around them and features a striking ‘floating console’ design around the driver.
Guy Jones, MG Motor UK sales and marketing director said: “The car will be released in China, but we are waiting to the see the public’s reaction before any decision is made about producing it in Birmingham.”
He added: “MG Zero is crucial to the development of the brand globally, as it gives clear direction for the future beyond the current products. We are all proud to see our British-designed vehicle wearing the MG badge creating such an impact in Beijing.
“With the MG TF back in production in Birmingham, sales increasing and the MG6 coming at the end of the year, the MG ZERO has come at the perfect time to build further awareness and interest in the brand here in the UK.”
Mr Williams said “This concept shows a bold, individual soul. The bonnet is formed around the famous octagonal badge, the graphics flow into striking lamps and the large lower grille completes the confident, sporty character.”
MG Motor UK is a subsidiary of SAIC, China’s largest automotive business, who sold over 2.72m vehicles in 2009.
