MG History

1924

The Octagon badge was registered as an MG trademark. Cecil Kimber, Morris Garages sales manager, wanted to make modified Morris cars that were faster and sportier.

MG's 14/28 Super Sports model went on sale. The first MG sports car was the Old Number One: small, fast and fun to drive.

1930

In 1930, MG made its first big splash on the racing circuit at Brooklands, the world's first banked concrete race track. The tiny MGs beat the powerful Bentleys. One Bentley driver said, “We've been invaded by fleas.”

MG dominated racing events throughout the '30s: winning the Irish Grand Prix, Isle of Man Tourer's Trophy, the Ulster TT, as well as wins in Italy (the first non-Italian team to do so), Germany, and Monaco.

A class win with the K3 at the 1930 Mille Miglia road race was the first time a non-Italian team had won. MG turned its focus onto speed records.

1932

The EX 127 reached 140mph on the German Autobahn before being acquired by Mercedes Benz for study.

1935

EX 135 hit a record breaking 333.5 km/h.

1938

The MG TC was produced just before WWII broke out.

WWII 1939 - 45

MG stopped car production and helped with the war effort, repairing Matilda tanks and assembling British bomber cockpits.

Production of the MG TC resumed. It was tiny, handled well and was a lot of fun. It was a big hit in the US. More than half the TCs built ended up in the US.

1947

The Duke of Edinburgh was the most famous TC customer.

1955

MGA was the streamlined, next-generation sports car.

1957

British legend, Sir Stirling Moss, broke the land speed record in the mid-engined MG EX 181, nicknamed 'Roaring Raindrop', at Salt Flats, Utah. He smashed the previous record, driving at 395.31 km/h, 20% faster than the previous record holder.

1962

The MGA model was strengthened by the addition of the more comfortable MGB model. Great fun to drive with a shorter chassis and larger cabin. Produced until 1980, it was the most successful MGever made.

1975

The one millionth car was built; a unique LHD MGB roadster finished in Brooklands Green with Jubilee GT livery and wheels.

1993

There was a tangible demand for sports cars once again. In 1993 the MGB made a comeback in the guise of the MG RV8, a 3.9-litre V8-engined roadster.

1995

The MGF was innovative: it had a mid-engine and gas suspension. And people loved it. It quickly became a best-seller across much of the world.

2000

MG Rover Group is formed following separation from the BMW Group.

2007

SAIC Motor acquires the MG brand.

2014

MG celebrated its 90th year with a spectacular event at Silverstone, and unveiled the MG3 and MG6 90th Limited Edition models. MG wins the BTCC Manufacturer Championship.

2016

MG Motor Australia and New Zealand is officially launched in Sydney.

2017

MG is the first Chinese-manufactured vehicle to be awarded a five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

2018

MG enters into a three-year sponsorship deal with the National Basketball League.

2019

MG Motors launches in NZ with its first dealership in Christchurch.

2020

MG ZSEV is launched as the most affordable electric vehicle in Australia and New Zealand.

2021

A new refreshed logo is revealed as MG moves towards a new energy future.

2022

MG Motor NZ breaks into top-10 selling automotive brands in New Zealand for the first time.

2023

MG4 voted 'Overall winner and Passenger Best in Class' by AA Driven Car of the Year.

2024

MG celebrates 100 years, SAIC Motor delivers 700,000 MG vehicles globally and introduces the Cyberster, MG's first all electric roadster.