More delays for Nanjing MG

For the past few months a pile of leaflets has been sitting on the sales reception desks of SMC, the multi-outlet dealer group which was once the biggest conduit for MG Rover cars. They show a bright orange MG TF and announce the little two-seater’s imminent arrival back in the marketplace, courtesy of MG’s new Chinese owner, Nanjing.

Don’t hold your breath.

The first cars, scheduled for assembly at Longbridge, should have begun arriving in showrooms in late August. Now, according to Nanjing spokesmen, it will be next March at earliest. The problem this time is claimed to be too many breakages during the 6000-mile shipment of parts between the Nanjing factory and Longbridge. Nanjing insists the problem is not poor Chinese quality. Even so, it has begun a hunt for alternative parts suppliers in Europe.

But components are not re-sourced at the drop of a hat. It will take time, and complex negotiation, especially since Nanjing is hinting that Longbridge production next year is more likely to be 3000 than 15,000 – thus making the business less attractive to potential suppliers.