News : After the 3, what’s next for MG Motor UK?

Clive Goldthorp

The MG3 was launched in 2013, and 'the long-awaited return to volume sales for MG', according to Guy Jones
The MG3 was launched in 2013, and a ‘welcome return to the volume business’, according to Guy Jones

A number of interesting MG-related stories were circulating in the international motoring media prior to the Christmas and New Year holiday so AROnline reckoned that the turn of the year was a good time to give Sales and Marketing Director, Guy Jones, the opportunity to comment on some of those reports as well as to reflect on MG Motor UK Limited’s 2013 and to look forward to 2104. Here, then, are the results of our emailed Q&A session…

The MG3 has now arrived in MG Dealers’ showrooms and the model-specific national advertising campaign has aired – how do you think that the launch has gone so far and what marketing strategy does MG Motor UK have for carrying that momentum into 2014? How, for instance, are any plans to develop a cost-effective racing version of the MG3 progressing?

The launch has been extremely successful with selling every car we built in 2013 and giving us a healthy order bank for 2014.  Following on from the major investment in the TV lead launch campaign for MG3 we have strong plans to further increase awareness of the brand and MG3 and MG6 models in 2014.  We are continuing to advertise nationally in Q1 both on and offline and, following the response to product displays in retail areas, will be increasing these.

We also have some exciting new plans for brand awareness to be announced shortly.  As the customers for MG6 have been predominantly mature male customers we have a huge opportunity to expand the brand to women and younger drivers with MG3. We will be focusing our investment on this but also hope to see MG3 on the track at least in club racing soon.

General Motors has recently announced that the Chevrolet brand will be withdrawn from Western and Eastern Europe by the end of 2015 – given the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by General Motors and SAIC Motor back in December, 2010 and that you are on record as saying that MG Motor UK aims to increase the current total of MG Dealers here to 75 covering 80 per cent of the country’s conurbations by the end of 2014, will you and Head of Sales and Franchise, Sam Burton, now specifically target the UK’s 72 outgoing Chevrolet Dealers and, with MG’s potential European re-launch in mind, the 1900 Chevrolet Dealers there? Interestingly, Paul Williams, Chief Executive Officer of SsangYong Motor UK Limited, has already issued an open invitation to the UK’s Chevrolet Dealers

We are targeting a priority list of key locations based on sales potential for our current and imminent model range.  We are now in a strong position to offer the best low-investment growth opportunity to a wide range of franchisees. We now have a number of very strong businesses joining and applying for the franchise and we would welcome additional applications from Chevrolet dealers to be considered alongside these.

Guy Jones is tight-lipped on the matter of the MG CS or any production version of it.
Guy Jones is tight-lipped on the matter of the MG CS or any production version of it.

The Romanian autoevolution website has recently published ‘a set of leaked patent images’ purporting to show the production version of the MG CS SUV Concept which was first revealed at Auto Shanghai last April while English language, Chinese Automotive Industry website ChinaCarNews claims that ‘the latest reports in the Chinese media confirm the [MG CS SUV’s] SsangYong origins, saying that the [car] is based on the ‘SsangYong Korando multi-platform”’ and adds ‘they also say the wheelbase of the CS is 2650mm, which is exactly the same as the wheelbase of the Korando.’ What can you tell AROnline’s readers about the platform which underpins the production version of the CS SUV, the powertrains which will be available when the model reaches the showrooms and the likely timing of that launch in China and the UK?

The CS SUV was shown as a concept vehicle. The details and timing of the production vehicle for Europe have not yet been announced so this is all speculation until the production car details are released. We have just launched MG3 with a wide range of vehicle personalization closely behind adding a diesel model to the MG6 range so 2014 will be focused on selling these models in the UK.

A report run by ChinaCarNews in November suggested that an MG5-based MG4 Coupe ‘will debut as early as next year’ while Autocar then ran a story saying that ‘MG [has] confirmed that the MG4, should it make production, would not be offered in the UK.’ The
aforementioned articles do not indicate whether the MG4 Coupe would be a Renault Megane Coupe or a Vauxhall Astra GTC-like 3-Door coupe or a MY14 Mazda3 Fastback-like 4-Door coupe but, certainly in the former case, then surely such a model has the potential to become something of a halo product for the rest of the MG range – think either, say, Renaultsport Megane 265 or Vauxhall Astra GTC VXR…What can you tell AROnline’s readers about the MG4 and can you provide some details of the reasoning behind MG Motor UK’s reported decision not to bring the model to the UK?

We have no official statement so cannot speculate on MG4 in the UK.

Guy Jones: 'In terms of Europe, MG UK and SMTC UK are playing the key role in designing, engineering and planning the launch of MG products for Europe'
Guy Jones: ‘In terms of Europe, MG UK and SMTC UK are playing the key role in designing, engineering and planning the launch of MG products for Europe’

Thailand’s Bangkok Post recently reported that SAIC Motor-CP Company Limited – the Joint Venture between SAIC Motor and the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group which is currently completing a 50,000 vehicle a year manufacturing facility in Rayong where production will begin next February – ‘is conducting a feasibility study about investing in a second plant [in Thailand] as it intends to make [the country] its manufacturing base for right-hand-drive vehicles to serve both the local and export markets.’

The Bangkok Post adds that ‘the second plant would enable SAIC Motor-CP’s production to rise to 150,000-200,000 vehicles a year’ and that ‘SAIC Motor aims to export from Thailand to right-hand-driving countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Britain.’ How would such an additional manufacturing facility impact on the prospects for a return to full-scale production at MG Birmingham? Will and, if so, when might UK market MGs such as the 3 and 6 be built in Thailand and what role will MG Birmingham then play in the marque’s much-awaited return to the European market?

As you know, I have repeatedly stated that our role is to expand UK production and sales from hundreds into thousands of units this year with the addition of MG3 to the model range. MG is now a global business and it is exciting to see that it will shortly enter the important South East Asian market via Thailand. Increasing demand for RHD products will increase demand for RHD products in our business which can only help the UK.

The only clear fact is that SAIC Motor is currently investing heavily in both the UK and Thailand businesses. In terms of Europe, MG UK and SMTC UK are playing the key role in designing, engineering and planning the launch of MG products for Europe.

Finally, how would you summarise MG Motor UK’s year and what are you and your colleagues at MG Birmingham most looking forward to in 2014?

2013 was a great year as the long-awaited return to volume sales for MG began. We launched two significant new products for our business with the diesel powertrain in MG6 and then MG3 and are well placed to expand significantly in 2014.

We will significantly increase awareness and Dealer Network coverage of the UK in 2014, so we are looking forward to the sales results from this. Additionally, Marc Hynes, the former British Formula 3 Champion, will be racing a third MG6 GT in the British Touring Car Championship and we are also looking forward to MG90 at Silverstone next June – both represent great opportunities for the brand.

Guy Jones clearly believes that MG Motor UK made some significant progress in re-establishing and re-positioning the MG marque – SAIC Motor’s adopted ’English Infant’ – during 2013 but the company now needs to build on the initial success of the MG3 in 2014. Hopefully, then further new models like the production version of the CS SUV Concept will follow and continue that momentum…

Jason Plato’s newly re-liveried MG6 GT during FP1 at Brands Hatch last Saturday
MG’s BTCC successes in 2013 – and hopefully 2014 – have been a big positive for a company, which still has a lot of rebuilding to do…
Clive Goldthorp

52 Comments

  1. The obvious question I would have liked to have posted to Mr Jones myself is: “Given the personalising opportunities unveiled for the MG3, can we expect to see in the near future a greater focus on providing additional colour and trim-based personalisation opportunities for the MG6? For example, perhaps body styling enhancements to provide a link with the BTCC cars, contrasting secondary trim for the interior and potentially different embellishments for the dashboard and even locally sourced full leather seat facings?

    The final question would be: Can we expect to see the 90th anniversary of MG celebrated through some exciting and memorable product actions here in the UK?

  2. MG will not sell any of these cars (6 and 3). Why should we expect that there will follow any other car!
    I think three models which have not been sold (MG TF, 6 and 3) were enough!
    I think that MG has died for Europe!

  3. @Oliver I’m sorry but you are talking rubbish! The MG3 has done pretty well so far. My local dealer has sold 20 before Christmas. How a couple of months after a launch you can consign a car to being a failure is beyond me!

    More seriously though, is there a long term plan or strategy for MG in the UK? Guy Jones repeats himself with the “We’ve launched a Diesel MG6 and a new car in the MG3” line, but where is MG going next? If SAIC are serious about the UK market we need some new models in the pipeline, the MG5 is not coming to the UK, so what is happening in 2014 / 15?

  4. 90 years and still going strong, this is an achievement which deserves recognition, Over that time it has seen off Austin, Hillman, Humber, Morris, Riley, Rover, Singer, Triumph and Wolseley. Well done MG!

  5. My goodness, I’d hate to sit next to Guy Jones at a dinner party. What he seriously needs is a spokesperson who is able to phrase these answers in a form that appeals to the enthusiast and consumer.

    These dry answers reinforce my view that whilst MG may be a reputable corporation who produce satisfactory cars they have much to learn about PR. The motor industry, particularly when rebuilding a brand, needs more charisma and a more open attitude. This would help their cause to sell more product…

  6. @8
    Does he need to talk bullshit? Who needs to hear lower quartile this and negative fisting drivers and all the rest of the spiel.

    In fact, given the parade of negative comments about anything MGUK its a wonder he could be arsed replying at all, and he would be right.

  7. Hi again Francis! There’s a way of communicating good news professionally that avoids bullshit but does make people want to read on.

    Meanwhile, I agree about the flood of negativity – including many fools who comment on these pages. For some of them MG’s achievements will never be enough until they reintroduce Wolseley, Riley and Guy Trucks and reincarnate Herbert Austin to run it all.

    Happy New Year. Grrrrr.

  8. An MG SUV is just what is needed to raise their profile. Look at the success of the Dacia Duster, Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka. None of them are particularly at the forefront of technology to say the least, but they sell like hot cakes. All have appealing looks (even the Juke to some people). To my eyes from an admittedly poor photo the MG looks pretty good. A poor mans Evoque perhaps?

  9. @8 ‘MG’ is not a corporation, it is brand name used by a Chinese conglomerate.
    The answer to the question posed is, not a lot. Yes there will be a trickle of MG badged cars produced for the foreseeable future. It is rather like attempting to sell a new Panhard-Levassor though. The brand MG will continue to mean less to fewer people.
    If a new British car is to emerge and be successful it will have a new name, likely use an alternative fuel and be part of a public/private consortium.

  10. @13. A good point, however, Skoda was and is a very different brand to MG. One built behind the Iron curtain, which catered to much lower expectations. MG, in order to be successful will have a lot more work to do. Incidentally, Lada I feel could be a success if relaunched in Europe. The Niva is always in demand and people forget just how successful (and profitable) Lada were in the ’80s.

  11. if I was 10 years younger I’d love a 3, but I think what is a good product is being sold in a saturated market place, and the brand is not what it used to be.
    I think Guy has a monumental task to do and I personally wish him luck, that said, I have seen the tv advert a few times (and I don’t watch much tv) and I reckon they should have focussed more on the price to get attention rather than vinyl add-ons.
    as for the suv, too little too late…….as per usual !

  12. Blah blah blah insert negative ‘MG are dead and buried, not what they used to be’ quote here.

    Despite the fact that they have invested hundreds of millions of pounds into Longbridge and the British workforce.

    That they have success in the BTCC over the last 2 years and have 3 cars entered for 2014.

    That they have an ever increasing model range – and have sold their 2013 allocation of MG3s within weeks of launch.

    That it is the MG brands 90th birthday year and have ‘exciting plans for brand recognition’.

    Some people wont be happy until they have sent them the same way as Triumph, Wolesly et al.

  13. I work in the motor trade & I borrowed an MG3, in comparison with some of it’s competition it is great value for money, but
    i think it is going to need more engine options for it to take
    off, the 1.5 is a decent but as for economy & co rating it could be better

  14. Let’s be honest. Clive asked lots of fascinating questions to which many of us would like informative answers. Not too surprisingly, Guy Jones didn’t really want to answer many of these in detailed terms as he is understandably focused on talking about the here and now. So he could just as well have said ‘no comment’ to some of those questions unless it was a clear invitation to say how well the MG3 launch has gone. There were some pearls of wisdom in there, but quite obviously Guy and his team will only talk about what they think they need to talk about. I did like the comment ‘we have strong plans to further increase awareness of the brand and MG3 and MG6 models in 2014’ and look forward to seeing what that translates to in real terms.

  15. Super! There is a dealer who sold 20 MG 3.
    I know know some dealers who sold some thousand Skodas before Christmas and I am sure Skoda will deliver these cars!
    MG was not able to deliver a car I have ordered and so it is.
    MG is a car company which will screw together some cars in GB but nobody wants them in GB. Why should anybody want these cars in the rest of Europe were so many other companies will make better products which you were able to service everywere. Ther is no future for a car were no dealers and service partners are available.

  16. Barry Scott – MG Motor really do need another marque on board, MG Rover wanted to bring back brands such as Standard, Austin and were looking at Morris. The Austin logo was been updated by SAIC – Now why would they do this? To move forward MG need to appeal to more customers rather than stay with the MG brand, which i fail to see will be anything like the sales of MG Rover. If Tata motors are not going to use the Rover brand why not lease it to the Chinese?

  17. @20,
    You can service any car anywhere, its called block exemption rules. And while most people will assert the 1.5 NSE is ancient, there should be no trouble repairing it.

    Once upon a time you could not get a Hyundai dealer arrested.

    Little acorns.

  18. @21 Funny dilemma for anyone thinking of relaunching a ‘British’ sister marque for MG. ‘Longbridge’ was ‘The Austin’. ‘MG’ came out of ‘Morris’ and in China and some other markets, SAIC use the ‘Morris Garages’ strapline in some marketing and showroom signage. In the 1970s, MG and Austin products were sold alongside under the ‘Austin-MG’ franchises (partly a legacy of the withdrawal of the Healey name; before then they had used ‘Austin-Healey MG’ briefly as a franchise tool. The supremacy of the Austin name over Morris in the USA meant that in the whole of North America, we saw the Austin rather than Morris Marina.

  19. SUV Crossover next.. These things have been selling like hot cakes. Cars the size of MG6 and above have not been doing as well recently. The sports car should be launched in the good times. If the MG4 is more Megane like, and they are allowed by GM to use the new powertrain then it could make a fair bit of revenue.

  20. I wonder if the MG3SW will be launched here.. It seemed quite popular as the Rover Streetwise, MG3 model could be quite a money spinner.

  21. The negativity on this blog is so boring. These ‘experts’ are writing off the new MG brand before they have had a chance to prove themselves.

    Let’s talk it down to the point where it fails – won’t that be great?

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

  22. Peter Harris @ 27 above,

    Unsurprisingly, in so far as my original article is concerned, I agree with Keith and would therefore hope that you were not, in fact, referring to that but to some of the comments in the Responses section above.

    David Knowles @ 19 above,

    Well, I always try and ask the questions which AROnline’s readers would probably pose themselves and, as they say, “if you don’t ask, you don’t get!”

    However, my personal view is that an increasing number of OEMs are now adopting a more open approach about their Future Product Programmes (FPPs) with some even, like for example MINI, releasing “official” scoop or teaser images of forthcoming new models.

    Indeed, Fiat Group Automobiles regularly put details of their FPP in the public domain at Shareholders’ Meetings – mind you, I would be the first to admit that FGA’s FPP has been changed so many times post-GFC that even close observers must be struggling to keep up!

  23. The Chevrolet dealer network is a great opportunity.

    Here is a network used to selling cheap mainstream vehicles and handling the logistics of parts from the far east.

    They might lament the unavailability of an SUV/crossover or MPV though, but in place already are replacements for the Cruze (6) and Spark (3).

  24. What MG/SAIC need is a roadster to get the brand back on track and build it here to give it credibility. The problem is MG/SAIC main market,which they designs for, is China and the market isn’t big there for roadsters currently, so they dont consider it. That train of thought is Dr Beeching tactic.
    Jaguars new strategy is to build their range around a sports car as do other manufacturers. One of Rovers problems was they couldn’t build a sports car or an SUV because of MG, BMW and Land Rover, so they became perceive as Frumpy which is a long way from their 50s and 60s image.
    An SUV may help SAICs cause and the concept looks OK ish but currently looks like something from a gaming machine software programme and doesn’t have maturity but that could be put right easily.

  25. I agree with post @27.

    The negativity of the replies to this blog (not the blog itself) are tiring.

    As for Oliver, the way you talk about MG I can’t bring myself to believe you;ve ordered an MG as you assert. There are few dealers who will let you have a car within a week or two even if in stock, and many models have typical waiting lists attached to them. It can come as no surprise to you that MG, a small and new entrant into the market again, does not have a million cars stacked up to deliver within 24 hours. If that is the whole basis if your nagativity about them I cannot honestly believe you would have ordered a car in the first place.

    As for a Skoda dealer that has sold a thousand cars before christmas, I’d love to know which one, I can’t believe any ‘Dealer’ from any manufacturer would be able to shift a thousand models on their own. That would mean they were facilitating a customer collection every 10 minutes for 4 weeks solid.

    If you are p’d off at a delay in delivery, fine, say that! but don’t make up wild exaggerations just to have a dig at MG.

  26. As for the original blog. I think MG would be crazy not to capitalise on the MGCS/Icon type vehicles. Afterall, Nissan managed to shift almost 6,000 CashCows and Jukes in November alone! There has to be a share of this market that MG can capture. Hyundai and Kia comfortably sell around 1000 of their respective Sportage/ix35 models a month.

    Whilst the big sellers are still the Focus/Fiesta class of car, even VW have difficulty matching anywhere near those levels of sales (though comfortably in the top 10 annual sellers) so it makes no sense for MG to try too hard. The more modestly priced SUV segment however is a different ball game. With the right car, right price and right advertising, MG could make a dent in this market. I believe the MG brand on a run of the mill car such as the 3 and 6 (not criticism but they are pretty anonymous) is a problem for them, but the MG badge on a car like the CashCow or Juke would be an advantage.

    Wonder if that’s why they are being tight lipped? could the CS be the first MG launched internationally at the same time and without the years of speculation and waiting beforehand?

  27. It would be insane not to get the CS to market in its unfettered guise, I believe its going to be produced at some point-the quicker the better.

  28. It is becoming very boring and the reputation of the site is thats “IS” becoming know as an MG Basher, the likes of Oliver should go and do his homework rather than post in accurate and misleading comments.

    The negativity towards the cars and company from people that have no knowledge is just beyond belief, I have spent a lot of time with teh MG3 and MG6 Diesel and have done online reports of both, neither of the cars were brilliant, i am sure everyone will agree, but for the price, and what you get for it, you can put up with a little lower mpg and higher taxation.

    Oliver stated that Mg was not able to deliver a car, rather than a stupid comment like that why not say WHY, is it because there is a waiting list, like most people have had to join, like Skoda you can wait upto 6 months for specific products, so my response to those who chose to try and stir things up is – clear off and dont come back.

  29. James Riley @ 33 above,

    I believe that a spokesperson for MG Motor UK (possibly Guy Jones) has previously gone on record as saying that the production version of the CS SUV Concept will, indeed, be launched simultaneously in China and the UK – your final point may well, therefore, be on the money…

  30. Good questions from Clive. I suspect SAIC don’t even know some of the answers themselves…. More to ponder;

    Any chance of a 1.3 MG3 like they have in China to help reduce the criticisms of the single engine policy?

    What plans are there to increase local content of the 3 with more added value CKD rather than SKD assembly?

    When will the facelifted 6 come here?

    Would Mahindra & Mahindra (newish owners of SsangYong) let MG sell an SUV outside China based very closely on the Korando?

    I endorse the comments about MG needing a less sporty sister brand in the UK – that might allow the Roewe 350 to be launched here as a modern 45.

    I see that there are rumours again of SAIC relaunching the Shanghai brand due to low Roewe sales, especially the 950. Given the European demise of Chevrolet could that open the door to the 950 coming here?

    Is the F/TF definitely dead?

    Given that they are now being sold in Australia and South Africa, is the Maxus van range coming to the UK?

  31. @28 & 29. No no !!! I meant the replies from ‘fans’ talking everything down is boring – the article was good !!!!!!

  32. MG have had more success with MG3 than they imagined and that’s why most dealers are not able to supply immediately from stock. However, to have a short waiting list has to be a healthily situation and shows how a well-specified and reasonably-priced MG can take customers from the likes of Ford and Vauxhall. As for the Q&A session with Guy Jones, the questions were certainly searching, but I would expect that a lot of those answers would come to us MG dealers before they are made general knowledge elsewhere.

  33. What really gets on my wick are individuals on this site constantly going on and on and on about what people are and are not allowed to comment on. It beggars belief that they somehow believe they are The ARONLINE Police and anyone who does not agree with them “should go elsewhere as they are not experts and are boring” unlike themselves,(seriously take a look in the mirror). If the owners or blogger of this site don’t like a comment or its inappropriate then THEY are grown up enough themselves to either reply as has happened here or delete the comment if it is offensive.
    There are as many supporters as critics of SAIC on this site.
    For what its worth the article is well constructed and has a good take and raises many questions.(in my opinion).

  34. @41

    To be fair, I think what gets peoples goat is the lazy bastards that wont get off their arse and test drive it and genuinely say its cack for a cogent reason instead of reading pub talk forums or Auto Express and other media empire owned publications.

    Yes there is generic looks to this car, but look at the current Punto that is aging badly like the Corsa isn’t.
    Then you get the engine size non argument- who wants to rice the stones off a 8V 1.2 Punto when you can have a more balanced 1.5 doing the work with less stress?
    And come on, all this CO2 baloney- why don’t folk say what they think and say it- “I don’t want Chinese shit” instead of finding an excuse not to buy or consider a really cheap, well built and capable sensible car.

    Where is the storm of protest for the MINI not having a 1.0 turbo out?

  35. The new car market winners and losers of 2013 from Autocar:

    MG Motors (Down: 2012 = 0.04 per cent; 2013 = 0.02 per cent)
    “There is much noise about new models, but precious little sales activity. Registrations have actually halved since 2012, which is not quite the idea when part-way through launching a new range.”
    http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/new-car-market-winners-and-losers-2013?utm_source=Silverpop&utm_medium=EMAIL&utm_campaign=ACAR%20Enews%2007.01.14%20%281%29&utm_content=link4_2

  36. @43
    So what? MGUK Have an allocation of cars for 13/14 and these are in the low four figures. We are in the second week of January.

    2014.

  37. That link doesnt really tell the whole story.

    As any MG enthusiast would know – the MG3 wasnt launched until Sept, with the first customers taking delivery in October. They currently have a waiting list for the MG3 in 2014 so registrations will not be dropping as low as they were a year or two ago.

    Also, in 2012 there was the 500 cars that were delivered to AVIS.

    I have a feeling that this is the tart of new MG now – a 2 model range to choose from with more on the horizon and a range of new engines nearing completion.

    Ive already heard of two cases of customers going to test drive an MG3 and coming away with a ‘6.

    Lets have some positivity, get behind MG UK and the British team, and do all we can to help them back onto their feet in 2014.

    I’ll be watching the MGs in the BTCC too!

  38. I too agree with @27, a well balanced article. I think also that all comments should be welcome +ve and -ve. Different background knowledge can provide some relevant opinions. I and others sometimes get it wrong; thats how you learn.
    I’ve looked into the MG3 enough to see that it is a worthy car; I think we can all agree on that. However it doesnt follow that it will turn out to be a good design in the long term and will sell well.

  39. I saw the advert for the MG3 online first and considering the amount of coverage the MG6 got, wasn’t expecting much more than that.

    How pleased I was though to see the advert on TV and quite regularly (Considering we don’t watch lots of TV in our house) so the car and as a result, the brand have been pushed quite hard over the last few months.

    All new cars get a waiting list, if they don’t they have an oversupply and have to discount to get them off the forecourt, which gives a bigger negative impression in media than waiting lists. The car is selling, which is great, though I have not yet seen one int he metal yet (But we have a few MG6’s driving around where I live in west Yorkshire).

    As for the article (And the site in general), it’s well balanced, factual and makes best use of the information given. As an MG TF owner, anything that helps lift the brand is good news.

  40. I thought the original questions were well thought out and the answers were as ‘visible’ as possible. Remember he is a link in a chain and cannot tell you that the company WILL be doing this or that – unless he has ‘authorisation’ and commitment from ‘the powers that be’. The world has changed a lot since the ‘powerful men’ – Black, Edwards, Lyons, Batty, Lord and others ‘had the last word’ in what went on.
    I think that a lot of the comments on here about the integrity and appeal of MG3 have merit (technically), but with regard to branding and sales we have to remember the ‘buggeration factor – the ability to create and do the most extraordinary things in marketing.
    Remember that the original Mini was a very slow starter – it was too different, too novel, too small, too………etc. What actually changed and made that car ‘trendy’? A couple of celebrities getting their pictures in the paper having just bought them. Yes, competition kicked in and assisted but for those who were around at the time the memory is clear. Within a few weeks, the TV picked up on it and all the magazines (such as they were) re-tested the cars and suddenly decided they were ‘trendy’ – the ‘in thing’ to have. And the rest is history.
    My point is that within the next month or so – for some reason – the MG3 could become ‘the car to be seen in’ – perhaps based on its better looks than many other cars, a nicer interior (even than the beloved Alfa Mito) and the rock bottom price! (We do need continued press/TV coverage and more dealers as explained in the original article).
    Look at the folk who have created an image based on little or nothing. (I have deleted the list I had here because I was just going to upset everybody)
    Goodness knows if the MG3 (or any subsequent model) will cut the mustard and get MG back as a key player. The car is important – of course it is. But don’t rule out the ‘buggeration factor’. An MG3 with some celebrity draped over it on the front cover of Vogue could be all it needs. History is our future. Some of us have seen it all before.
    The only fly in my argument is getting the British to over come their pre- conceptions of anything Chinese – and that one I haven’t got an answer to.

  41. @48 – Excellent post, I think that the tide is beginning to turn in favour of the MG3, and it’s only perceived weak point (1.5 litre motor) is being viewed as a strength.

  42. Im still waiting to see the paragraphs of consternation of the new MINI Cooper S having a 2 Litre engine under the Bonnet, wasn’t downsizing the vogue?

    Even PSA are getting 200 BHP+ out of a 1.6.T for the RCZ.

  43. We’ve had our MG3 for six months and once run in will run at 30 MPH in top without any complaints.

    Everything works and nothing has fallen off.

    We’ve owned Metro’s, Maestro’s & Marina’s so we’re not new to the brand.

    Clearly it hasn’t the space or the performance of the 420 GSI Tourer that it replaced however it does every thing with out any problems that we can see.

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