World's newest automotive design studio opens at MG in Longbridge
15/06/2010
Dr Richard Hutchins, deputy chief executive of Advantage West Midlands (AWM), officially opened the new SAIC design studio at Longbridge, near Birmingham, today - the home of MG car manufacture.
China's biggest automotive business, SAIC, owns MG Motor UK which currently produces the MG TF sports car and aims to produce the MG6 five-seat fastback at Longbridge by the end of the year.
SAIC invited Dr Hutchins to open the studio in recognition of 'the excellent support provided by AWM to the development of our business'.
AWM has offered nearly £2 million financial support as well as strategic business advice to encourage SAIC's continued presence at the historic Longbridge site.
Dave Lindley, President of SMTC UK (Shanghai Motors Technical Centre), said: “This is an important landmark not only for the West Midlands, but the worldwide automotive industry.
“This £5 million investment by SAIC is a clear commitment to retaining and developing our UK workforce. Not only have we created some 300 hi-tech, high-value jobs, but invested £20 million in R&D companies throughout the supply chain in the UK and Europe.
“I would like to thank AWM for its invaluable support. Working with them and their key contacts in the business and academic network has been instrumental in getting the business up and running in Birmingham.”
Dr Richard Hutchins said: "It is great to be at the historic Longbridge car manufacturing site on such a positive occasion. Everyone is eager to see the first MG6s rolling off the production line here at the end of the year. And who knows what other design and technical wizardry will be revealed in subsequent models, thanks to the cutting edge work that will be going on here.
“It may surprise some to learn that a third of the UK’s automotives are produced in the Midlands. Also, two thirds of the spend on automotive research and development in this country is invested in Midlands-based companies. AWM is proud of the part it has played in stimulating and revitalising the region's manufacturing base in this way.
“Longbridge now has one of the UK’s leading research and development centres and its launch moves the company into the fast lane of high-tech car development."