Richard welcomed the announcement of MG Rover’s development agreement with Chinese car company, Shanghai Automotive.
Richard said: “This is excellent news. MG Rover has already released a range of new and revised models and more are on the way. It has also been clear for some time that securing a strategic partner is vitally important for the future. Such a partnership will enable MG Rover to compete effectively in the global car market and to invest in the development of future products.
“An alliance with Shanghai Automotive offers the prospect of just that in a way that benefits both companies in both countries. MG Rover have told me that one of the key points about this alliance is that it recognizes the importance of continuing car production at MG Rover’s Longbridge home, as well as exploring new opportunities in China and possibly elsewhere. I am delighted by the importance being attached to that. Longbridge is hugely significant for thousands of jobs in the Midlands and beyond. It also makes commercial sense. The British heritage of the Rover and MG Brands is a real asset in many expanding markets and maintaining that Britishness will be important to realising the company’s potential for the future.
“It will be good news for industrial cooperation between Britain and China. I wish the project every success, as it goes through the necessary licensing process required by the Chinese Government for joint ventures of this kind.”
