MG (Morris Garage), the famous British brand of sporting cars, is returning to South Africa and is using this week’s Johannesburg International Motor Show as the launch pad.
It has already previewed the models to dealers and potential dealers as the brand, which is now in the Combined Motor Holdings (CMH) stable, seeks to set up an initial network of about 15 outlets.
Initially MG will kick off with four-door fastback and sedan variants of the MG6, which is powered by a 118 kW, turbocharged, 1.8-litre petrol engine, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. There are three trim and equipment levels – Standard, Comfort and Deluxe. MG say their new MG6 range, features a luxurious and spacious interior, advanced electronics, high safety features (Euro NCAP 5-Star rating), as well as competitive pricing.
In the course of the next few years the MG range is expected to be extended significantly. “We are excited about the new MG models coming into South Africa”, says Alan Horseman, Executive Director of MGSA.”
MG (Morris Garages) was a popular brand in the post World War II era in South Africa as a two-seater sports car and four-seater sedan, but the factory at Abington in the UK was closed in 1980 as the British motor industry virtually imploded. The brand was resurrected under BMW ownership but subsequently sold to a British consortium and MG South Africa was established in 2001, with the arrival of the MGF sports car. MG went off the market in 2005 as the company collapsed again.
MG now belongs to the state-owned Chinese Nanjing Auto, which in turn is part of the huge Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). The Chinese company obtained the brand in 2005 and is building cars in Longbridge (UK) and Nanjing.
