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MG-Rover Group - News & Views
MG DIESEL. Simply the best!
October issue of Diesel car stated that the new MG Diesel variant within their range was one of the best, if not THE best diesel car around.
(Oct. 2001)
MG ROVER GROUP SEPTEMBER 2001 SALES FIGURES
MG Rover Group has published its UK sales performance for the month of September 2001
Volume (TIV)A spokesperson for the company, said: "While we are encouraged by our September sales, our focus is now firmly fixed on the last quarter to deliver a good full year performance."
(Oct. 2001).
MG ZX80 to be made in UK
Delight as MG Rover decide to produce the new MG X80 at Longbridge UK instead of Modena Italy.
Reports in the 'Sunday Mercury' dated September 30th 2001, stated:
"LIRA WE GO! - Italy snub as Longbridge gets £100 million-a-year supercar"
The Midlands motor industry is to receive a £100 million boost - after a decision by MG Rover to build its new £50,000 supercar in Birmingham.
The Sunday Mercury continued with....
We can exclusively reveal that the company has chosen Longbridge ahead of Modena in Italy to produce the MG-X80 - a model certain to fire it into the luxury sports car super-league, capable of challenging the likes of Porsche & Maserati. the decision has been described as a huge tonic for the Midlands economy.
MG Rover currently employ 7,000 people and support 40,000 jobs in the Rover supply chain. Birmingham Chamber of Commerce spokesman, John Lamb said "Clearly the decision is of enormous importance and benefit not only to the Midlands' motor industry and supply chain but also to the general economy".
The MG-X80, unveiled to great acclaim at the Frankfurt Motor Show early in September, will almost certainly be the model to end sports-car legend MG's 20 year absence in the USA.
MG Rover developed the 4.6 litre, 385 bhp sports car on the back of the hushed-up deal to buy the American Qvale Automotive Group's Italian subsidiary. The deal allows MG Rover to use the north Italian-based Mangusta sports car platform to produce its own supercar.
Some experts believed that MG Rover would retain the highly-skilled Modena operation, which employs about 70 people, to produce the X80. But the Sunday Mercury learned that the Birmingham company has decided to transfer the production to the UK.Greg Allport, from MG Rover, said "I can confirm production of the MG-X80 will take place at Longbridge. A number of factors were behind the decision, not least the advantages of MG Rover having its production facilities on one site".
As many as 2000 X80s could be produced each year, however, with a price tag of £50,000 that equates to £100 million being generated for the economy. It is not certain how many jobs will be created, but it is understood that only a small number of staff from Italy will be involved in the transfer.
MG-X80 will be powered by a V8 engine and boast a top speed of 175 mph, with 0-60 in around 5 seconds.
Bruce Qvale, president & chief executive of the San Francisco-based Qvale Automotive Group said, "From the images I have seen of the X80, it looks like MG Rover has done a great job. The prototype has retained the Mangusta looks from a side & height perspective, and MG Rover has done some great things with the rear end. It's beautiful and it's going to do very well".
Mr Qvale, whose family distributed MGs in the US between 1974 & 1982 added: "We are still doing market research with MG Rover for its potential return to the US market with the MG-X80 and possibly other cars".
Copyright: Birmingham Post & Mail, first published in The Sunday Mercury September 30th 2001
(Sept. 2001)
MG ZT-T SPORTSWAGON
The first-ever MG Sportswagon goes on sale this month (Sept 2001). The MG ZT-T combines all the appeal of the new ZT sports saloon, launched in July, with the versatility of an estate.
MG ZT-T is available in four models with 160Ps and 190Ps versions of the 2.5-litre KV6 quad-cam alloy engine, with good performance and high levels of equipment and specification with prices ranging between £19,545 and £22,045.
The ZT-T features a stylish tailgate with separately hinged opening rear window. The tailgate incorporates a warning triangle compartment and rear wash wipe. Inside there is full practicality with 60/40 split folding rear seats with a load through facility, luggage hooks, lashing points and an under floor stowage compartment.
The MG ZT-T'+' models follow the specification of the MG ZT'+' saloon models with standard specification including ATC air conditioning, rear electric windows and CD auto-changer. The MG ZT-T '+' models have a load restraint 'integral net cassette system' in lieu of the saloon's rear spoiler.
MG ZT-T 160
MG ZT-T 190 Engine Capacity
2497cc
2497cc Max Power
160Ps @ 6250rpm
190Ps @ 6500rpm Max Torque
230Nm @ 4000rpm 245Nm @ 4000rpm 0-60 mph
9.3 seconds 8.2 seconds Top Speed
129mph
137mph Fuel cons, Urban
20.8mpg
19.8mpg Fuel cons, Extra Urban
40.4mpg
38.8mpg Fuel cons, Combined
30.0mpg
28.7mpg CO2
225g/km
235g/km OPTION AVAILABILITY (Rover quoted prices Sept 2001)
Option \ Derivative
ZT-T 160
ZT-T+ 160
ZT-T 190
ZT-T+ 190
OTRPrice/ £Sterling Kenwood Stereo Cassette
S
S
S
S
NCO Kenwood Upgraded Stereo Cassette
O
O
O
O
£100 Kenwood Single Slot CD Player
O
O
O
O
£165 Kenwood MP3 system O
O
O
O
£295 Kenwood CD Autochanger
O
S
O
S
£250 Part Leather Sports seats
O
O
O
O
£350 Part Leather Sports and Alcantara seats
O
O
O
O
£500 ATC (in lieu of On/Off Air-conditioning)
O
S
O
S
£300 Rear Electric Windows
O
S
O
S
£275 Integral Load Restraint Net Cassette System
O
S
O
S
£150 Xenon Pack
O
O
O
O
£600 Cruise Control
O
O
O
O
£225 Electric Sunroof
O
O
O
O
£525 Driver Intelligence Pack
O
O
O
O
£400 Headlamp Powerwash
O
O
O
O
£200 Premium Harman Kardon Hi Fi System*
O
O
O
O
£450 High Line Navigation System*
O
O
O
O
£2,300 Navigator System*
O
O
O
O
£1,450 Self Levelling Suspension
O
O
O
O
£350 Roof Rails
O
O
O
O
£200 Volumetric Alarm
O
O
O
O
£225 ITS - Side head impact protection
O
O
O
O
£150 Metallic / Pearlescent
O
O
O
O
£450 Heated Seats
O
O
O
O
£225 IMS (Instant Mobility System)
O
O
S
S
£50 Spacesaver spare wheel
S
S
O
O
£50 18" Alloy wheel - 'Hairpins' style
S
S
O
O
NCO 18" Alloy wheel - 'Straights' style
O
O
S
S
£195 18" Alloy spare wheel
O
O
O
O
£195
* Not available with Kenwood dealer fit ICE.
Pricing: (Rover quoted prices, sept 2001)
Competitively priced, £950 over the MG ZT saloon, the ZT-T 160 is 'on-the-road' at £19,545. The ZT-T+ 160 is £20,145, the ZT-T 190 is £21,445 and the ZT-T+ 190 is £22,045, each with a D classification tax band.
(Sept. 2001)
Successor to Rover 45 & MG ZS?.
Reports in the press state that in 2004, a successor to the 'ageing' 45 will be released. The new car is code named RD60. It's floorpan will be derived from a cutdown version of the Rover75 and will be fitted with an updated K series engine, frontwheel drive. The decision to use a 75 derived floorpan has been made after MG Rover failed to find a new technology partner, and decided to 'go it alone'. Initial details state that the core engine will be a 108bhp 1.6 ltr variant, probably to include re-mapped ignition and 'fluid' flywheel, as fitted to current 1.8 & V6 versions, to improve smoothness. An MG version is also very likely, fitted with a 150bhp 2.0 ltr V6 up to a 190bhp 2.5 ltr V6 with improved chassis tuning to suit. However, all versions will benefit from the improvements made whilst developing the 75 chassis.
(Aug 2001)
MG in trouble over adverts for Z Cars
Car manufacturer MG Rover has been ordered to withdraw adverts for its latest models because they placed too much emphasis on speed. The Advertising Standards Authority said the adverts for the company's latest Z series of saloons could encourage unsafe driving.
Newspaper and direct mail adverts featured pictures of three MG cars, accompanied either by the slogan Can your head take the rush?, Can your nerves bear the buzz? or Can your heart stand the thrill?
The company argued that because of MG's "rich sporting heritage", the performance element of the car was very important.
But the ASA was concerned about statements which described one of the car's engines as an inferno which could "rocket you from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 131mph".
The UK speed limit is 70mph..
The ASA said pictures which showed blurred streetlights and traffic speeding past a "reduce speed now" sign placed an "undue emphasis" on speed.
The company maintained that, as responsible manufacturers, it was mindful of the danger associated with speed.
It said it had used studio photographs of the cars, not pictures of cars on the move, so as not to encourage irresponsible driving.
The authority asked the advertiser to amend the claims.
(Aug 2001)
MG Rover Goup and West Midlands police co-operate to deter speeding motorists.
On Monday July 23, 2001 MG Rover Group launched three new MG products - the MG ZR, MG ZS and MG ZT. Each vehicle has been engineered to provide excellent handling/performance and the combination of dynamic spoilers, low suspension and large alloy wheels give a sporting and business-like look.
In a most innovative approach on the launch day, Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) will use four new MG ZS vehicles on local motorways to deter speeding motorists. The MGs, which will carry Police badges, will be parked on key patrol access slips and be very visible to passing drivers.
Normal police cars sited on these areas have the impact of slowing down speeding traffic. It is believed that the visual impact of the new MGs with police markings will act as a major deterrent to speeding motorists.
Commenting on the initiative, a CMPG spokesperson said: "We are grateful for the willingness of MG Rover Group to co-operate with us in this matter." ..........&
&........
MG ZT-T LOOKS FOR POLICE ENDORSEMENT!MG's first estate car - the ZT-T - is soon to be evaluated by Police Forces across the UK in a motorway patrol demonstration programme to promote the new car for active Police duty, following the introduction of Police MG ZT Saloons.
The Zircon Silver Police specification Sportwagon is a largely standard ZT-T 190 'showroom model' which includes air conditioning, electric front windows (Police spec inhibits use of the rear windows) and comfortable seats.
The ZT's sports suspension and V6 engine produce an accomplished on-road performance characteristic that is entirely suitable for Police requirements. These features have received considerable media praise. This combines well with its versatile estate bodystyle, particularly for the traffic Police's special equipment carrying needs, which include: traffic cones, lights, road signs, first aid kits, brooms and shovels, etc.
ZT-T features a stylish tailgate with separately hinged opening rear window and rear wash wipe. Inside there is a potential 1222 litres of practical loadspace.
Gavin Thompson, MG Rover Group's Police sales manager, said: "On the basis that you need one to catch one, the MG ZT-T is precisely the dual-purpose vehicle that the traffic police require. With its powerful quad-cam V6 engine and versatile luggage capacity, the ZT-T provides the necessary combination of a sports performance car and functionality of an estate - ideal for Police forces throughout the UK."
(July 2001)
MG Range Officially Launched.
Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd July 2001 and the Launch of the MG range at All Electric Garages, Halesowen in the West Midlands. Manager, Neil Coleman, invited us along to inspect the cars and report on the 'Open Weekend' for the marques launch.The weekend has been a great success, with exceptional interest in the entire MG range. Indeed, the Company has already taken orders and sold two of the demonstration vehicles they have on display. They have been fortunate enough to secure a demonstration vehicle from all 3 models, due to current demand not all dealers have been so lucky.
It is expected that interest will remain bouyant , with additional variations being added to all models over the next year or two, coupled with the fact that an all new sports car is to be launched in 2002.
Neil and the rest of the staff at All Electric Rover are confident in the new MG and Rover range, and can forsee a busy time ahead.
MG-Xtra will be test driving and reporting on all the vehicles.
At last, MG-Rover are getting the recognition they deserve. After years of lack of inward investment and a disastrous tie up with BMW, which almost saw the demise of the company, the new owners' are turning its' fortune around. First year was expected to report at a loss, however, MG-Rover have reported less of a loss than originally first thought. Meaning there is every possibility of being in-profit in 2002, if the fortune continues.
In July 2001, Autocar magazine stated that, "in their opinion, MG had scored 3 Bullseyes" with the release of the new 'Z-cars'.
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