Production of MG cars is to come to an end in the UK after parent company SAIC Motor, decided to move final assembly of the MG3 from Longbridge to China.

MG says the change will bring about manufacturing efficiencies and help centralise distribution, denying that the decision came as a result of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union although MG had previously stated that Brexit delayed its plans to market its cars in the rest of Europe.

In a statement issued today (Friday 23 September), MG said that ending production would “…ensure global market competitiveness and support long-term investment into new product lines.” 

It’s estimated that around 25 jobs will be lost as a result but SAIC plans to continue to design and engineer MG cars in Longbridge.

Earlier this year it confirmed an investment £1.2 million to install a fifth engine test facility among other improvements to the development centre.