British car brand MG has confirmed that it will be opening a new manufacturing facility in Spain, marking the automaker's first European mainland factory.
The iconic manufacturer was purchased by the Chinese giant SAIC in 2007 after MG Rover Group went into administration.
Since then, the Chinese firm has reinvigorated MG into one of the most popular brands on the market, selling an impressive 85,000 models in the UK alone last year.
It has now announced that it will be launching its first European mainland manufacturing facility in Galicia, Spain.
The facility is estimated to create around 2,000 jobs across Europe and represents a hefty investment of €200million or £172.9million.
Vehicle production is scheduled to start in 2028, with an expected annual capacity of up to 120,000 cars as part of its "In Europe, For Europe" strategy.
The site will be used for vehicle research and development, advanced manufacturing, component supplies, and intelligent logistics operations.
MG maintains its research and development base in Longbridge, Birmingham, which previously employed 25,000 workers to produce vehicles for the brand.
MG has opted against building its new manufacturing facility in the UK, with production set to begin in Galicia, Spain, in 2028
|GETTY
Part of the sprawling Longbridge facility is set to be transformed into an employment hub with 13 industrial units to support almost 600 jobs.
Longbridge was once the largest car factory in Europe, but was shut down in 2016, with the company noting that production was being moved abroad.
MG vehicles are now manufactured in China, including at SAIC's new energy vehicle plant in Ningde, Fujian province, which produces around 300,000 vehicles a year.
It has not yet confirmed which vehicles will be produced at the new Galicia plant, although its growing product range could see electric vehicles produced in Spain.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
MG has become one of the fastest-growing automakers in recent years
|MG
William Wang, managing director of MG UK and Europe, said MG was "pushing the boundaries of what is possible" with manufacturing and R&D across Europe.
He continued, saying: "Through our 'In Europe, For Europe' strategy, we are not simply responding to the future of mobility - we are helping define it.
"By investing in local capabilities, strengthening our European footprint and fostering a more competitive automotive ecosystem, we are accelerating Europe's journey towards a cleaner, smarter and more sustainable mobility future."
Last year, MG captured 4.21 per cent of the total market share in the UK, placing itself as the tenth best-selling brand with 85,155 sales.
William Wang, MD of MG Motor UK and Europe, handed over the key of an MG4 EV Urban to the global group’s 100,000,001 customer, Natalia Nobes
The Chinese-owned brand registered more than 300,000 cars across Europe, a massive 60 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
It also recently announced that it had welcomed its 100 millionth customer around the world, with Mr Wang handing over the keys to milestone customer, Natalia Nobes.
Ms Nobes said MG had a historic connection within her family, as she would often be a passenger in her grandfather's MGB, resulting in her buying a new MG4 EV urban.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr Wang said: "A testament to the trust that drivers around the world have placed in MG - a brand built on British heritage, shaped by decades of innovation, and now powered by some of the most advanced technology available."