MG further expands its reach with a new Northern Ireland Dealership opening to boost sales.

MG Motor UK has made another significant step forward in its national dealer development strategy, with the appointment of Greg Mitchell MG. 

Established in 2006, the Strabane-based dealership provides vehicle servicing, MOT provision, body repair and computerised diagnostics for motorists nationwide. Renowned for delivering excellent customer service and aftersales, the dealership boasts a highly-loyal customer base. 

Joining the MG network will see Greg Mitchell MG further expand its site at Victoria Bridge, opening a brand-new dealership and forecourt dedicated to the sale of MG’s latest model range. From the stylish MG3 Supermini (OTR from just £8,695) to the family-friendly SUV, the MG GS (starting from £15,095), there’s a perfect model for every driver. 

The deal is further evidence of MG’s emergence as a serious player in the competitive volume car market, a claim supported by impressive recent sales volumes and the company’s best quarter ever for new vehicle registrations.* 

Recent statistics from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) name MG as one of the UK’s fastest-growing automotive brands, a title gained through the ongoing development of an affordable model range and dedicated dealer network. 

Greg Mitchell, Owner of Greg Mitchell MG, commented: “Joining the MG dealer network is a big step forward for our business. As a household name, we’re confident that drivers across Northern Ireland will be impressed with the latest MG model range. 

“Affordable, practical and family-friendly, modern MGs blend style and performance to deliver an impressive drive. Each model is fitted with the latest driving technology and infotainment equipment, yet remains surprisingly affordable.” 

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “With an excellent local reputation for friendly service and expert advice, we’re pleased to welcome Greg Mitchell MG to the MG dealer network. 

“The partnership will provide motorists across Northern Ireland with even greater access to our latest model range, helping to deliver further business growth for both parties.” 

Greg Mitchell MG will officially open its MG dealership on Friday 26th May, alongside exclusively unveiling MG’s new compact SUV – the MG XS – which was revealed at the London Motor Show earlier this month. Rory Best, the Ireland rugby captain, will also attend the launch. 

2015 Mustang sales off to a hot start, with the best November since 2006.

•  62 percent increase in Ford Mustang sales last month compared to a year ago, with 8,728 cars sold
•  All-new 2015 Mustang is staying on dealer lots just eight days on average
•  Sales of Mustang GT lead the pack, followed by V6 and EcoBoost^®models

As the holiday season kicks off, sales figures for Ford Mustang show the best November for the nameplate since 2006. 8,728 new Mustangs found owners last month, a leap in total sales of 62 percent compared to 2013. Sales are up all over the United States, including the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. Mustang’s largest markets, Texas and California, saw retail sales increases of 46 percent and 76 percent, respectively.

Dealerships have reported that new Mustangs are in high demand, spending only eight days on the lot before being sold. Buyers are choosing the engine that suits them best, with 52 percent opting for the 5.0-liter V8 in Mustang GT, 24 percent choosing the Ti-VCT 3.7-liter V6 and 24 percent going with the all-new turbocharged I-4 EcoBoost^®.

Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, where Mustang is produced, is working in high gear to deliver enough 2015 Ford Mustangs to meet voracious demand from driving enthusiasts. So far, more than 20,000 new fastbacks have been built and shipped to dealers across the United States and Canada, with preparations for export to Europe and Asia now under way. 

Mazda to take action over airbag deployment issues.

Mazda North American Operations has notified NHTSA that it plans to voluntarily implement a Special Service Program in limited regions of the United States as a result of several field reports regarding airbag deployments for a variety of vehicle brands equipped with air bag inflators supplied by Takata Corporation and TK Holdings, Inc. On certain vehicles, the air bag may not deploy properly in the event of an accident.

Approximately 34,600 vehicles that were originally sold or are currently registered in Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico are affected.

There is insufficient information at this time to determine the cause of these incidents or if they are related to a safety defect, but Mazda is working with the supplier and NHTSA to investigate these incidents as quickly as possible. 

Mazda has determined that the subject vehicles of the SSP are certain model years of the Mazda6, Mazdaspeed6, RX-8, and MPV, which are equipped with similar types of airbag inflators. 

Specifically the vehicles are identified as:

            2003-2007 MY Mazda6 built from October 4, 2002, through July 31, 2007

            2004-2008 MY RX-8 built from April 23, 2003, through July 26, 2007

            2006-2007 MY Mazdaspeed6 built from August 25, 2005, through June 28, 2007

            2004 MY MPV built from August 21, 2003, through July 28, 2004

Mazda has received one report of a driver injury during airbag deployment.

Owners of record will be notified of this issue and instructed to take their vehicles to a Mazda dealer to replace the air bag inflator with a new one. The work will be performed by Mazda authorized dealers, free of charge to the vehicle owners.

The expected dates for mailing owner notification letters and providing notification to dealers are currently undecided.  It will depend on the availability of replacement parts from the supplier.