MG reveals UK-designed ZERO concept car
The MG ZERO concept car has been unveiled to the world's media today as one of the stars of the Beijing Automotive Show, now one of the world's most important automotive events.
The MG ZERO Concept car has been developed by MG Global Design team, led by British MG Design Director Anthony (Tony) Williams-Kenny, based in Birmingham.
At around 4m in length, the MG ZERO concept previews the design direction of the brand and demonstrates how MG can expand into this high- volume sector of the market. MG ZERO reflects the latest trends in the market for vehicle size, styling and technology and is designed to show how MG will offer products that will appeal to a wide audience across the global market.
MG Zero also demonstrates the design and engineering capabilities of SAIC by showcasing a number of innovative features. The bold interior has clean and simple lines with high contrast flashes of accent colour. It uses the latest technology touch screens to allow occupants to interact with the world around them and features a striking ‘floating console' design around the driver.
The high-tech materials are draw inspiration from ultra high-performance sports equipment and there is highly innovative use of interior lighting features to create real emotion in the cabin. The bold red-coloured illumination adds a touch of drama.
Commenting on the exterior style, Design Director Tony Williams said " This concept shows a bold, individual soul. The bonnet is formed around the famous octagonal badge, the graphics flow into striking lamps and the large lower grille completes the confident, sporty character. The body-side has a strong shoulder, a dynamic scalloped feature in the doors and flared arches to give a wide stance and strong road presence. The feature lines have been designed to give a strong relationship to the wheel arch demonstrating the fun nature of the cars dynamics."
MG ZERO also explores the integration of the latest communications technology in the vehicle and in addition to the interior systems, it features a fun communications system on the exterior of the rear!
Guy Jones, MG Motor UK Sales and Marketing Director summarised by saying "MG Zero is crucial to the development of the brand globally, as it gives clear direction for the future beyond the current products. We are all proud to see our British-designed vehicle wearing the MG badge creating such an impact in Beijing. With the MG TF back in production in Birmingham, sales increasing and the MG6 coming at the end of the year, the MG ZERO has come at the perfect time to build further awareness and interest in the brand here in the UK."
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SAIC
MG Motor UK is a subsidiary of SAIC, China's largest automotive business, who sold over 2.72m vehicles in 2009. SAIC wholly owns the MG brand and the Roewe brand (sold in China).
MG Motor UK
MG Motor UK is based in Birmingham, England along with SAIC Motors European Technical Engineering centre (SMTC) and employs over 300 people in automotive styling, design, engineering and manufacturing. MG Motor UK currently manufactures and sells the iconic mid-engined MG TF sports car through a network of 40 sales dealers. From the end of 2010 will begin assembly and sales of the all-new MG6 from Birmingham.
MG TF
The MG TF offers distinctive British sports car styling and an exciting mid-engined driving experience with the hood up and adds classic wind in the hair motoring with the hood down for just £13,799 OTR. No other vehicle offers this much fun per pound in todays market.
MG6
MG6 is an all new 5 seat fastback model that will be launched in the UK at the end of 2010. It was designed and engineered in the UK by the SAIC Motor European Technical Centre (SMTC) based in Birmingham.
