Although not Mini realated news Longbridge played a very big part in the history of the production of the Mini. Indeed the very last classic Mini rolled of the line in 2001. It is good news in the region that full-scale car production has restarted at the former MG Rover plant in Longbridge, Birmingham. Shanghai Automotive (SAIC) said it had sold 70% of the orders for its new model, the MG TF LE500.
The company has 55 dealers across the UK and believes the first cars will be with customers by next month.
MG Rover collapsed in 2005 with the loss of about 6,000 jobs. It was bought by Nanjing Automobile Corporation for £53m but they were taken over by SAIC. There are currently about 165 workers at Longbridge but the figure is likely to rise, according to the company.
SAIC said it hoped to produce 700 of its sports cars by the end of the year. The model will cost nearly £16,500.
Eleanor De La Haye, of MG UK, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important point and are looking forward to seeing the cars in showrooms shortly.” (BBCnews.co.uk: August 1).
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