There was a terrible time in 2005 when we thought it was all over for car production at Longbridge it coincided horribly with the centenary of car production there and it really looked like it was 100 and out. Much mud-slinging, rumours, doubts and accusations and counter-accusations followed.

Then we heard that the Chinese had bought the plant yet soon stories appeared in the Press that the Chinese were asset-stripping, that they did not understand the brand they had bought.

Typically, Nanjing Automotive Corporation ignored the criticism, put their heads down and got on with it. They moved the Rover production lines out to China, reassembled them and started production. They developed the MG TF, looking at all its weaknesses and improving where possible.

And now, theyve recommenced production. OK, there are only 130 staff working for them at Longbridge right now, but its a beginning and if those staff put their all into it and the Chinese market continues to grow and support Nanjing as is predicted, this could be the beginning of a new and glorious era for MG.

We owe it to the Chinese, who bought the company when no-one else would, to give them support in this bold new venture.

Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: Longbridge is part of the fabric of Birmingham's heritage and we are delighted that MGs will roll off the production line once again.

We have worked in close collaboration with NAC to bring about today's announcement. Two years ago, many people thought this day would never come. But as we celebrate a new era for Longbridge, I am delighted that NAC MG Ltd will breathe new life into this famous marque.

NAC plans to re-launch MG into the marketplace later this year and stated: Longbridge is an essential part of the MG project. NAC fully understands that they need to keep the originality and Britishness of the brand and the UK is the only place where NAC can absorb the essence of British culture and transfer it into MG products.

The role of Longbridge will be as follows:

* R&D centre for MG
* Engineering & testing of MG models
* HR recruiting for China and Longbridge
* A purchasing and logistics centre for China and Longbridge
* Manufacturing base for the UK and European markets
* Sales & marketing base for the UK and Europe
See www.mg-rover.com for more details.

Malcolm McKay, Motorbase News Editor