Combined Motor Holdings Limited (CMH) is proud to announce that they will be re-launching the MG (Morris Garages) brand in South Africa at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show, from October 6 to 16.
Appointed as MG importer and distribution partner in South Africa by Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation (Saic), the new custodians and owners of the MG brand worldwide, CMH are excited about the prospect of distributing one of the world’s leading sports car brands.
The MG brand has a rich British heritage, a long and successful legacy on the race track and a fiercely loyal owner base across the world. The re-launch also coincides with the launch of the first all-new MG model in 16 years, the MG6.
Saic are the largest motor manufacturers in China and produce 3,6 million cars every year. They have three state-of-the-art manufacturing plants – two in China and a third in Birmingham in UK, the location of a brand new design studio and engineering facility, set up at a cost of more than £45-million.
The MG brand will continue to focus on European and more specifically British styling and design.
“We are excited about the new MG models coming into South Africa”, says Alan Horseman, Executive Director of MGSA.
The first vehicle arriving will be the MG6 which is powered by a 1.8 Litre Turbo charged, low CO² emission, Euro 5 engine that delivers a class-leading 118kW @ 5500rpm.
Consistent with MG’s traditional British racing heritage, the sporty power plant is seamlessly complimented by a 5 speed manual gearbox.
The surprise package of the MG6 range, among others, is its luxurious and spacious interior, advanced electronic specifications, high safety features (EuNCAP 5 Star rating), as well as its competitive pricing. We anticipate that a wide range of new customers will be taking advantage of this full specification vehicle, but we also expect a fair volume of sales from MG’s loyal existing owner base.
These are people who know the marque and its heritage on and off the race track.
Vernon Beck, MGSA Chief Operating Officer, sums up the MG heritage:
‘‘The history of MG and the people who drive them tell a colourful and wonderful story, with its origins dating back to 1924 and a racing pedigree since 1930.
MG has always been a dedicated motorsport competitor and has a huge following of loyal enthusiasts worldwide.
In 1939 MG broke the land speed record with a speed exceeding 321km/h and since the beginning of the millennium they have been placing more and more emphasis on returning to its racing roots. Recently, MG re-launched its motorsport campaign at the 24 hour Le Mans, as well as the British Touring Car Championships. We see the MG brand being positioned as a logical alternative to the well established brands in South Africa.
Norman Ewing, National Chairman of The MG Car Club of South Africa, who saw the new MG6 at MG Live at Silverstone, United Kingdom says ‘‘I’m excited about the MG Marque’s arrival back in South Africa and that the brand is still alive and well.
I’m looking forward to a new breed of MG owners and enthusiasts appreciating ‘‘The Marque of Friendship’’ and joining the many other MG owners who have already experienced the passion of owning an MG.
Furthermore, the new product will also appeal to the passionate MG enthusiasts who may well have a MG classic parked very proudly in their garages’’.
MG South Africa, represented by 15 MG dealerships nationwide, are planning the launch of at least another 4 models in the medium term into the South African market place, which is sure to appeal to a wide range of the motoring public, from the discerning sports car enthusiast to someone looking for a unique driving experience.
