- 2014 sees 90th anniversary year of historic MG marque
- Silverstone event welcomed over 15,000 visitors
- Display of historic, current and concept MG vehicles
- Over £3 million worth of MGs on display in timeline, from Old Number one to current MG6 and MG3
- Beijing to Birmingham; 12,500 miles through 13 countries, in five modern MGs
- Three concepts on display, showcasing the future of the brand as well MG90 Special Editions
- MG is the fastest growing automotive brand in the UK according to SMMT sales figures
Longbridge, UK, 02 July 2014 – MG celebrated 90 years of the iconic marque with the MG90 event at Silverstone circuit 21-22 June, which saw over 15,000 enthusiasts attend and featured a timeline collection of current production and historic MGs worth over £3 million.
The annual event, usually called MGLive was organised by the MG Car Club, and this year, renamed MG90 to celebrate 90 years of the iconic MG marque. Over 15,000 enthusiasts visited the Silverstone circuit, which featured an MG timeline of vehicles worth over £3 million, from the Old Number One to MGs latest production vehicle, the MG3. MG Motor UK joined the event with the UK public debut of three concept models and two MG90 special edition vehicles. The event showed a perfect balance between the historic, current and future vehicles of the iconic MG marque.
The MG3 Trophy Championship concept, based on the current MG3 production vehicle platform and created to highlight in-house engineering, design and calibration capabilities by SMTC UK at Longbridge, continues the MG tradition of club racing. Modifications include tuning of the 1.5 litre, 106PS, MG3 engine currently featuring 136Nm torque, to achieve a max power output of 204 BHP (207 PS) and 260Nm of torque. The vehicle has also undergone a full body-lightening programme without compromising on stiffness, and boasts a limited slip differential, a fully adjustable MacPherson strut front set-up with bespoke rear anti-roll bar, adjustable front splitter and twin plain adjustable rear spoiler. The racing concept was created by a team of SMTC UK engineers in a relatively short timeframe.
The CS concept SUV, originally previewed at the Shanghai Motorshow in 2013, has been confirmed for UK production, and will be the next MG to come out of Longbridge, after the phenomenal success of the MG3 supermini, launched in September last year.
The MG EV Concept, previewed at SMMT headquarters in central London in April this year, is a display of future technology for the brand, developed in order to fully understand European market demand for a small, fully electric MG. More information on all MG concept vehicles can be found atwww.mg.co.uk/vehicles/concept-cars
Three concept models on public display at the event are the latest MGs to be created at SAIC Motor’s state of the art European Design and Technical Centre (SMTC), located with MG Motor UK, at the Longbridge site in Birmingham. SMTC and MG are both owned by parent company, SAIC Motor; the largest automotive company in China, currently ranked 103rd in the Fortune 500.
The Beijing to Birmingham drive saw a group of Chinese owners drive over 12,500 miles and through 13 countries in current production MG3, MG6 and MG5, arriving at Longbridge for a commemorative presentation before moving on to join the MG90 celebrations at Silverstone.
About the MG Car Club
Based in Abingdon, the spiritual home of MG, the MG Car Club was founded in 1930 and supports every model of MG, from the very first to the very latest. A truly worldwide club, the MGCC has over 11,000 members in the UK and a further 40,000 abroad though affiliated clubs. Twelve regional Centres in the UK host hundred of events every year, while 16 registers provide free technical support and assistance to MG owners. For more information visit www.mgcc.co.uk
About MG Motor
Since the first MG went on sale 90 years ago in 1924, theiconic British brand has become world famous for making stylish cars that are fun to drive and own, at remarkably affordable prices. The latest offering, the MG3 is no exception; the new, small modern MG brings style and fun to a new generation- giving a fresh twist on the innovation, sporty performance and statement style that first made the MG badge famous.
Modern MGs are designed, engineered and undergo final assembly at MG’s historic home in Longbridge, Birmingham.
Today, MG is owned by the SAIC Motor Corporation. SAIC Motor is currently rated 103rd in the Fortune 500 and, in 2013, achieved record global sales of over 5.1 million units, an increase of 13.71% on 2012 sales. SAIC Motor is the first Chinese automotive manufacturer to exceed five million units in a year, and 230,000 units of this extraordinary figure can be attributed to sales of the MG and Roewe marques worldwide.
More information is available at www.mg.co.uk