MOST parts for the new sports car to be produced
by the Chinese at the former Rover factory
in Birmingham will be imported through
Southampton.
The Longbridge factory will be assembling the new
MG TF LE500 sports car, pictured, out of parts
made in China and shipped across the globe in
containers.
It is a vote of confidence in Southampton
Container Terminal, which is recovering from
a crane collapse that saw operations severely
restricted for months.
Another major motors customer, Honda,
lost production of 1,000 cars because of the
incident, which delayed a shipment of parts
and forced it to close its Swindon factory for
the day.
The Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC)
confirmed this week that production of the TF
LE500 - a reworked version of the existing MG TF
mid-engined sports car - will begin at the Midlands plant
in August.
The work is just the start in a planned expansion that will
ultimately see Longbridge producing four models, each of which
could funnel more business through the port.
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The auto industry is an increasingly important plank of
business at the port.
Port director Doug Morrison said: "Anything that generates
additional business for Southampton is good news. The car business
we have is vitally important to us. You don't want all
your eggs in one basket, whether it's containers or
cruises."
Already UK-made Jaguar, Land Rover, Mini and
Ford Transits are shipped out of the country
from Southampton, while it is a point of entry
for scores of other vehicles from manufacturers
like Renault and grey imports from the Far
East. It is also a centre for the "high and
heavy" trade, which sees mechanical giants
such as airport safety fire tenders, doubledecker
buses, articulated lorries and earthmoving
equipment ferried out of the country.
Chairman for NAC MG UK, Mr He Xiao Qing,
said: "I am delighted to be in a position to talk
about a launch date for the TF LE500 following a
process of planning, reorganisation, active quality
improvements and parts optimisation that we recognise
resulted in frustration for our stakeholders."
The new car is expected to appeal to a wide range of car-buyers
looking for an authentic sports car driving experience.
Posted by: Andy, Locks Heath on 1:30pm Tue 13 May 08
Tha deafening silence is the sound of one hand clapping. Yes it's great that Southampton gets the nod ahead of Thamesport and Tilbury, but while we import all the components that were once made in the Midlands, we export our manufacturing jobs to China - not exactly a fair swap! While we all rant impotently about Tibet the Chinese quietly shaft us in the economy, so it's more taxes for us please Gordon.
Tha deafening silence is the sound of one hand clapping. Yes it's great that Southampton gets the nod ahead of Thamesport and Tilbury, but while we import all the components that were once made in the Midlands, we export our manufacturing jobs to China - not exactly a fair swap! While we all rant impotently about Tibet the Chinese quietly shaft us in the economy, so it's more taxes for us please Gordon.
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