West Midlands made MG cars sales set to soar by 400%
Sales of West Midlands made MG cars are set to soar by up to 400 per cent this year.
Longbridge-based MG Motor UK, which is owned by Chinese group Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, cut its annual loss after tax to £999,000 last year from more than £4 million in 2012.
So far this year MG,which now employs about 400 at Longbridge in Birmingham has sold 2,028 cars compared to 504 at the same stage last year.
The recently launched MG3 supermini and a diesel version of its MG6 have helped to boost sales for the company, which launched in 2008.
Sales and marketing manager Guy Jones said; "We hope to achieve 2,500 sales by the end of this year and are looking at a 400 per cent growth this year on 2013."
Mr Jones said it was the fastest growing automotive brand in the UK.
"We have got fleet orders coming through as well – it is all very positive," he added.
More than £13 million worth of new MG3s have been sold so far this year with 188 last month.
Director Hao Wang says in the comopany's annual report: "The company has made operating losses over the last few years and was primarily funded by SAIC Group.
"However, directors are of the view that the launch of MG6 diesel version and MG3 during 2014 will help generate operating profits and cash flows."
MG's rapidly expanding dealer network was announced as eighth best overall, and second for value of money, in the Auto Express Dealer Power Car Dealers Best and Worst survey.
Since November 2013, 22 new MG dealerships have opened in the UK and it plans to have around 80 sales dealerships by the end of the year, these will be supported by the further network of 13 MG after sales specialists.
MG celebrated 90 years of the iconic marque this year, with the MG90 event at Silverstone circuit in June which saw over 15,000 enthusiasts attend and featured a timeline collection of current production and historic MGs.
The company previewed three concept vehicles at the event, including the CS SUV, MG3 Trophy vehicle, and the MG EV electric concept.
