MG production will start in August

MG has confirmed that it will start to produce the TF LE500 model at its Longbridge factory in Birmingham from the beginning of August. The first cars will then reach showrooms in September.

The news was announced by He Xiao Qing, the newly appointed chairman of NAC MG UK Ltd. "I am delighted to be in a position to talk about a launch date for the TF LE500 following a process of planning, re-organisation, active quality improvements and parts optimisation that we recognise resulted in frustration for our stakeholders. We are now fully focused on bringing our hard work to fruition." Gary Hagen, director of sales and marketing, added: "The open top sportscar is an iconic image of British motoring and forms the basis of the MG marque's long pedigree.

The launch of the TF LE500 signals our determination to keep this class of car at the heart of the brand as we take it forward."

While production at Longbridge will focus on the TF LE500, engineers at the company's technical centre in Warwickshire are already working on further MG models, which will take the company into new sectors of the market.