Jalopnik: tf

UK Longbridge Factory Resumes MG TF Production

Wes Siler — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EDT

The historic Longbridge production facility in Birmingham, England is rolling again. First opened in 1905 by Austin, it was once the largest factory in the world. Since that time it's manufactured cars, airplanes and armaments for both world wars, and its name became synonymous with strikes, poor quality and mismanagement during the 1970s. Now, Nanjing Automotive has begun assembling its version of the MG TF there, despite using mostly Chinese-built components.

The TF, whose name is short for "Just buy a Lotus Elise" began production in 1995 (then known simply as the F) and went through two facelifts before parent company Rover went out of business, shuttering the factory three and a half years ago.

The TF isn't a terribly good vehicle, using the mid-mounted engine to severely compromise packaging instead of enable sublime handling. There were also numerous quality issues including hydragas suspension (ditched with the switch from F to TF in 2002) that came misadjusted from the factory, meaning many customers wound up with cars that sat unevenly on their wheels. Nevertheless, the vehicle broke sales records for sports cars during its 10-year life. Initial signs point to some of its appeal still being present in the market: 70% of the initial 500-car run have already been sold. [Automotive News]

MG TF Web Site Launched

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 07:08:15 EDT

For people whose glass is always half full. And who don't stick a toe in the water; they jump right on in. For free thinkers. And free expression. And self-starters. And absolutely everyone with a lust for life. People who leap straight out of bed, first thing they put on is a smile. Who dare to try something different. And it's exactly those nincompoops who will first buy a Chinese-built MG roadster. (Okay, we added that last sentence.) That first part is from a glimmering section of ad copy found on the MG TF website — that is, the site announcing the relaunch of the MG TF by new owner, China's Nanjing Motors. No matter that the TF's internals are as old as Prince William's, we hear Lotus has been consulting with Nanjing to update its engines and other mechanicals. And according to reports, the company has designs on the US, where the last MG model limped shoreward from a rusty scupper during the late Carter Administration. More thrills and spills to come. [MG UK via AutoExpress]

The Red Coats Are Coming Back: MG's Longbridge Factory To Re-Open May 29

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 17 May 2007 21:50:37 EDT

We're doing everything in our power to resist asking, "Why?" With that in mind, here's the scoop: MG, spun off totally from Rover, undead and now owned by Nanjing Auto, will reopen their Longbridge factory on May 29th. Production of the TF, first introduced in 1995 and face-lifted in 2002 before taking a two-year nap starting in 2005, will resume then. MG has actually been building TFs in a Chinese factory since March. The reborn British TFs will be sold in the UK, Germany and ~~Mumbo~~ Australia. The Chinese made cars will be sold in, um, China. No cars from either plant will be coming state-side. However, as we've been telling you, MG will be opening a third plant in Oklahoma some time in 2008. That's where the US cars will hail from. Oh, and the expsive bits — those pesky engines and gearboxes — will be built by ~~slave~~ cheap labor in China. Somewhat amazingly, Malcolm Bricklin is in no way involved. – Jonny Lieberman

Longbridge factory to reopen on May 29 [via Motor Authority]