A chairman for NAC MG UK Ltd said the first cars would be built in August and be delivered to customers in September

The former MG Rover factory in Longbridge is set to open its doors once again, building an updated version of the MG TF.

And, the Chinese owned marque has said the new MG TF LE500 is just the start and the initial focus of production. Designers based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire are already planning new MG models.

A chairman for NAC MG UK Ltd said the first cars would be built in August and be delivered to customers in September.

He has described the process of, “planning, re-organisation, active quality improvements and parts optimisation” which has allowed the plant to re-open.

While MG is keeping tight lipped about the exact specification of the MG TF LE500, it is most likely to be a facelift of the previous generation MG TF featuring some fresh exterior design touches and minor mechanical changes.

Gary Hagen, director of sales said: “The open top sportscar is an iconic image of British motoring and forms the basis of the MG marque’s long pedigree. 

“The launch of the TF LE500 signals our determination to keep this class of car at the heart of the brand as we take it forward.”

The MG TF was available with either 1.6 or 1.8-litre petrol engines, producing 115bhp, 135bhp and 160bhp in various models and we expect the same engines to return in the MG TF LE500.

Until MG Rover collapsed the MG TF roadster was the best selling car in its class.

The news should be welcome in the local community, if MG’s parent company (Nanjing Automobile Corporation) begins recruiting in the area.