MG Rover sets new targets

All-girl pop group Atomic Kitten has endorsed a range of MG passenger cars as part of a publicity drive to highlight its association with MG in the British Touring Car Championship.

But the Atomix Special Edition cars won't be available in New Zealand when the new distributors, MG Rover New Zealand, relaunches the famous British marque in a couple of weeks.

"All the other MG and Rover models will be, though,"said company head Andrew Bayliss, former general manager of Peugeot New Zealand.

"We will have a full line-up of cars available through out three new dealers - Newmarket Euro in Auckland, Harbour City Motors in Wellington and Gary Cockram Motors in Christchurch.

"We will continue to provide after-sales support through the arrangement we have had with BMW."

Former distributor BMW New Zealand set up the infrastructure for service and warranty support for MG and Rover some years ago. It continued with the agreement after its parent in Germany sold MG and Rover last year.

"It's been a good arrangement and we are keen for it to continue," said Bayliss.

The new range of Rover cars will include the small 25, medium 45 and top-model 75. The Rover-based MG line-up includes the ZR, ZR160, ZS and ZT.

"MG will represent the performance aspect, while Rover will offer style, quality and image," said Bayliss. The Rover package will also include models that have not previously been available in New Zealand, including a luxury estate, the Rover 75 Connoisseur Tourer.

"The brands' relaunch in New Zealand comes at a time when the two marques, now that they are back in British ownership, are firmly re-establishing themselves overseas and in a phase of launching new product," said Bayliss. Team Atomic Kitten sponsors the MG ZS in the BTCC. Said group member Jenny Frost: "We've had a great time racing and winning six races in class. It's great to continue this association with the MG Atomix cars. MG is a great British brand - we're so pleased to be associated with it."