Another new dealership joins the ranks of MG's dealers, as the brand grows so does its dealer base.

Burton-upon-Trent’s T L Darby, a family-run business for more than 50 years, has joined MG Motor UK’s expanding network. To celebrate, local residents were given the opportunity to attend an exclusive launch event a couple of weeks ago, Tuesday 13 June. The doors of the showroom were opened for guests, giving them the chance to see the dealership and the new MG XS, which will be available from Autumn 2017. 

Opening the showroom was Burton’s new Mayor, Simon Gaskin, who ceremonially cut a ribbon and welcomed guests to the dealership. 

Refreshments were on hand and visitors had the chance to win an overnight stay for two adults at the Breadsall Priory Marriott Hotel & Country Club, and the use of an MG GS for the weekend.

Richard Darby, Managing Director at T L Darby MG, said: “We have been a part of the local community for five decades, and we’re extremely proud of our place in Burton. MG is Britain’s fastest growing car brand with an impressive range, which we are delighted to be able to offer our customers.”

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “We’re pleased to welcome such a passionate supporter of the brand to our dealer network. T L Darby MG has a long-established reputation for delivering excellent service and we’re thrilled to see them join us at MG.”

Another dealership is added to MG's ever expanding portfolio of dealers.

TL Darby, a leading dealer group in Burton-upon-Trent and Staffordshire, is to join MG Motor UK’s nationwide dealer network. The move coincides with the dealership celebrating 50 years of trading, during which it has established itself as a premier name in the region for car sales, parts and servicing.

A 2016 Motor Trader Industry Award winner for Best New Build, TL Darby operates a number of showrooms, including a site in Burton’s bustling town centre. 

The new partnership will give motorists across Burton-upon-Trent and Derby more chance than ever before to pick-up one of MG’s stylish new models, including the MG GS SUV and the MG3 supermini.

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, commented: “With an excellent track record for friendly service and expert advice, we’re delighted to celebrate TL Darby’s anniversary by welcoming the team to our national dealer network.

“Having recently announced the highest monthly registration figures since the company’s relaunch, alongside celebrating our most successful year to date, it’s vitally important that we continue to expand our network. As a renowned local dealership, we’re confident TL Darby will help to further our presence in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.”

Richard Darby, Managing Director, at TL Darby, commented: “Joining MG’s expanding dealer network is exciting news for the whole team and we look forward to displaying the latest models in our showroom. One of my key aims as Brand Manager is to grow the business further, while building a reputation for sales and service excellence. Joining the MG network help us do this thanks to its excellent range of vehicles.”

Engineers from SAIC, the company behind MG Motor, co-hosted a global gathering of top automotive aerodynamicists.

Engineers from SAIC Motor Technical Centre, the company behind MG Motor, co-hosted a global gathering of top automotive aerodynamicists in Leamington Spa, UK, in November. 

Recognising the key role vehicle design plays in fuel economy, the EADE (European Aerodynamic Data Exchange) annual meeting welcomed 44 delegates from over 20 global vehicle manufacturers and two wind tunnel facilities.

Held at the Engineering Employers’ Federation (EEF) conference centre in Warwickshire, the annual event gives engineers involved in reducing the drag co-efficient of cars the opportunity to share new developments and data relating to wind tunnel testing. 

These tests are used to understand how well a car travels through the air, producing a set of figures to describe a vehicle’s relative aerodynamic performance.

Vehicle aerodynamics is becoming much more important in the overall design of cars, given the increasing pressure on manufacturers to improve fuel efficiencies and reduce harmful emissions. A car that travels through the air more easily makes for a quieter and more comfortable drive. Accordingly, drag co-efficient has become a highly debated performance statistic among carmakers keen to increase fuel economy.

However, comparing results between facilities around the world is problematic, akin to comparing apples to pears. This is primarily due to variations in wind tunnel facilities where drag coefficients are measured and, to a lesser degree, from variations in testing methodologies.

EADE is collaborative group that enables OEMs to share aerodynamic benchmark testing and strengthen the domestic aerodynamic technology base through sharing non-competitive ideas and technologies.

Nicolas Sabrazat, chief aerodynamic engineer at SAIC Motor, said: “Co-hosting the EADE event in the Midlands this year has been a great pleasure – as it reflects the growing confidence in the re-emergent motor industry here in the UK.”

The SAIC Motor Technical Centre (SMTC) in Longbridge currently boasts an engineering design team of over 250 people. This is the place where new models such as the MG3 supermini and MG GS sports utility vehicle have been designed. Already, the MG GS has been praised for its competitive aerodynamic performance, with engineers from SMTC presenting technical papers on its progressive design.

Looking forward to new models currently under development for MG, Sabrazat comments that the role of aerodynamics will become even more vital for tomorrow’s cars. He said: “With tough new emissions laws being introduced in 2017, and the ever-growing need for greater fuel efficiency, reducing the drag of vehicles is now more important than ever. It is for that reason that we have continued to invest in our resources here in Birmingham.”

Current MG models include the MG3 supermini and MG GS sports utility vehicle, which retail from £8,399 and £14,995 respectively.

MG opens another new dealership to expand it's portfolio and expand sales further in 2017.

Beaver Garages, the family-run motor dealer based in Minehead, Somerset, has been appointed an MG Motor UK franchise, expanding the resurgent car brand’s network in the South East.

Established in 1981 as Richard Beaver Garages, the business operates from three locations in Taunton and Minehead, providing retail, servicing and used car solutions to drivers in the region. 

The move to MG is a major development for Beaver Garages, which chose the marque due to the growing reputation of its new models and the strong culture of collaboration from the manufacturer’s Longbridge team.

Group sales manager at Beaver Garages, Wayne Johnson, said: “Having talked to several other car manufacturers looking to expand their network, we found the team at MG to be very approachable, business-like and easy to deal with. Unlike many other big car brands, the team based in Birmingham was always easy to contact and very proactive when it came to setting up the franchise.”

Beaver Garages will begin actively retailing the MG3 supermini and all-new SUV, the MG GS, before Christmas.

Johnson continued: “While we were really impressed with the style, build quality and sheer value for money that the new MG range offered, we were also pleasantly surprised by the proactive way the company provides sales support for its models. For instance, MG’s current 0% finance offer on new models is an incredible incentive for new drivers to get behind the wheel of the funky supermini or bigger GS.”

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales & Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “Beaver Garages is one of the most respected dealers in the South West. It has been offering great customer service for more than 30 years now and are very active in supporting local sports clubs and other community activities. Beaver Garages a great family team and we’re delighted to have them on board as an MG Motor franchisee.”

While MG sales will initially be conducted at Beaver Garage’s existing premises in Minehead, the business is planning to open a dedicated MG showroom in the summer of 2017.

SAIC Motor searches for rising stars with internship programme for 2017.

SAIC Motor searches for rising stars with internship programme for 2017

Birmingham-based SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre (SMTC UK), the sister company of MG Motor UK, has launched its 2017 internship programme, in a search for the engineering talent of tomorrow.

Having selected seven aspiring engineering graduates in September 2016 to the year-long internship programme, the company is now on the hunt for its class of 2017. 

Commencing in September next year, the course covers a diverse range of topics including electronic engineering, powertrain, advanced engineering, body structures, vehicle performance, chassis engineering and vehicle styling. Team working is a key part of the programme, which kicked off in 2016 with an outward bound event in the first week to help fast track graduates’ relationships with fellow students and learn about successful teams.

The recruitment process for next year’s intake has begun with current interns attending the University of Bath’s Engineering Placements Fair earlier in November. Alongside showcasing the annual internship opportunities on offer at the company’s Longbridge site, SAIC promoted its summer placement scheme and other graduate programmes.

One of the interns who attended the event at Bath University was Damon Elson. He said: “Since joining the internship at SAIC in September, I’ve learnt a huge amount about automotive engineering and working in a large organisation. As well as seeing how a global vehicle manufacturer operates from the inside, we have already learnt about the relevant software and planning skills needed to develop our automotive design skills in the months to come.

“With such a solid grounding in place, we’re now really looking forward to our joint project, which will be our main focus in 2017. This practical project will test our knowledge of engineering and automotive design, challenging us to show how modern technology can be harnessed to create a vehicle with levels of performance that were unimaginable even ten years ago. With such a rich heritage of car design from the MG brand, we certainly have plenty to inspire us!”

SMTC UK employs approximately 300 skilled design engineers at its Longbridge facilities and is responsible for the design and development of all new MG and Roewe models.

To find out more about the SAIC UK graduate opportunities, please go to: http://www.saicmotor.co.uk/careers-graduate.aspx

SMTC UK commenced its internship programme in 2013 and has so far accepted more than 30 students onto the Longbridge-based course.

CAPTION: SMTC UK Recruitment specialist Sheree Molenaar (far left) with Damon Elson (second left) and fellow 2016/17 internship students at the recent Engineering Placement Fair at Bath University.

Another dealership joins MG to push the brand further, as new models and derivatives are becoming imminent.

MG Motor UK has continued to grow its national dealer network with the appointment of Fred Henderson Ltd. The family-run business, based in Durham City, has more than 43 years’ experience in the motor industry.

Established in 1973 by successful rally driver, Fred Henderson, the business was originally situated in a disused workshop underneath the Durham City railway bridge. Fred quickly built up the business, developing a strong reputation for great customer service and excellent value-for-money.

Fred’s son David, who is also a keen racer, joined the business in 2004 to concentrate on the workshop element and now holds the title of Dealer Principal. A used car division was acquired in 2011, which now retails more than 600 used vehicles every year.

Now located in Langley Moor, the franchise dealership is known throughout Durham and the surrounding areas for car sales, breakdown service and a strong workshop customer base. The company has also recently acquired a bodyshop. Going forward, Fred Henderson Ltd will retail MG’s latest model range, including the MG3 supermini and all-new SUV, the MG GS.

David Henderson, Dealer Principal, commented: “Joining the MG dealer network is a big step forward for our business. The latest models are fantastic value for money and will be well received by our loyal customer base.

“Both the MG3 and MG GS are the perfect blend of style, substance and performance. Each model is fitted with the latest driving technologies, yet remains surprisingly affordable. Whether a new or experienced driver, both models offer an unintimidating, yet engaging drive – two real stand-out cars in their respective classes.”

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “With an excellent reputation for friendly service and expert advice, we’re delighted to welcome Fred Henderson Ltd to our national dealer network. 

“The latest in a long line of UK dealer appointments, the Durham-based dealer will play a key role in providing customers across the region with access to our latest model range.”

MG Announces that Arnold Clark is returning to the brand to push sales throughout Scotland.

MG Motor UK has achieved a major step forward in its dealer development strategy, following the appointment of Arnold Clark to its growing network in Scotland. 

As the most profitable UK dealer group, ranked second in terms of car volumes and number of outlets, Arnold Clark represents a significant expansion for the resurgent British car brand. 

The award-winning dealer group will use its Rutherglen site, near Glasgow, as a central location for MG sales, retailing the MG3 supermini and all-new MG GS models.

With more than 60 years’ experience in automotive retail, Arnold Clark now represents 24 manufacturers and operates 200 branches across the UK. The deal with MG is further evidence of the manufacturer’s re-emergence as a serious player in the competitive volume car market. Latest statistics from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirms that in September, the company’s UK sales topped the 1,000 mark; signalling its best ever performance since 2009.

With a long-established reputation for top quality customer service and an excellent aftersales package, Arnold Clark will retail MG’s growing model range from its showroom in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.

Gavin McKenzie, MG Franchise Manager at Arnold Clark, commented: “We’re really excited about taking on the MG franchise in Scotland. This will give drivers the chance to enjoy this great brand, which is seeing a welcomed resurgence in the market. From the MG3 supermini to the family-friendly MG GS SUV, we can’t wait to display the latest models in our showroom.”

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “As one of the UK’s leading car retailers, we’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Arnold Clark to our national dealer network.

“Our partnership with Arnold Clark, who are one of the biggest and most well- managed dealer groups in the country, is a significant move for MG, as it provides a strong retail platform for future growth and shows the MG brand and product range can attract even the largest retailers.”

MG opens yet another new dealership, this time, North of the Border, in Dunfermline, Scotland.

MG Motor UK has appointed East Port Garage to its national dealer network. Based in Dunfermline, Scotland, the family-owned business has more than fifty years’ experience in automotive maintenance and retail.

With a long-established reputation for top quality customer service and an excellent aftersales package, East Port Garage will retail MG’s latest models from its showroom on Halbeath Road. 

To mark the launch of the partnership, East Port Garage will host a family fun day on 16^th October. Featuring live music, food stalls and the chance to organise an MG test drive, there’s something for all the family to enjoy.

Stan Smart, Managing Director at East Port Garage, commented: “Joining the MG dealer network is really exciting news for the whole team. From the MG3 supermini to the family friendly MG GS SUV, we can’t wait to display the latest models in our showroom.”

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “As one of Scotland’s leading car retailers, we’re thrilled that East Port Garage is joining our national dealer network.

“As the latest in a long line of UK dealer appointments, East Port Garage will play a pivotal role in providing motorists across the region with access to the latest MG models.”