Having taken part in a rain-soaked inaugural staging in 2010, the MGCC was again invited to attend MGLive! China as it returned to the Tianma race circuit in the outskirts of Shanghai and enjoyed balmy weather on Saturday 22 October.

Organised by the MG Car Club China and supported by SAIC MG, the second MGLive! in China was once again modelled on the MGCC’s annual Silverstone celebration with a fine blend of on-track and off-track action for enthusiasts to enjoy. With the event bearing such a similarity to the UK original, it was apt that MGLive! China 2011 was officially opened by MG Car Club UK General Manager, Julian White. 

Whilst the 2010 gathering was blighted by poor weather, this year’s event was blessed with balmy conditions which helped swell the attendance, and the whole event oozed energy, positivity and youthfulness. MG3 test drives were conducted during the morning of the event with over 300 prospective customers invited to drive the cars, each accompanied by a professional racing driver. The potential owners were granted a generous stint on the Tianma circuit and encouraged to push the car to its limits. The smiles on faces as they finished their tests implied that sales had been made on the day.

Many visitors also brought along their own MGs, often customised in various ways – from subtle MGCC badges to after-market body kits, there were interesting touches on most vehicles. Specific parking areas were provided for the MG3SW, MG3, MG6 and MG7, whilst the new MG3 Xcross was on display and interest in the car was strong.

The Meguair’s polish team spent a four-hour stint detailing an MG6, whilst younger visitors to the event were entertained by colouring competitions. Inside the Tianma facility, seminars gave MG enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about the brand’s history and heritage. Later in the day, MG owners were invited to take their cars out on track. Many attendees took the opportunity to do just that, and the afternoon stint saw some 500 cars venture onto the circuit.

As darkness fell, an MG party kicked into gear. A large stage area – including a hefty video screen – had formed the off-track focal point throughout the day with videos, live music and competitions keeping visitors entertained from the outset. Now the live music assumed centre stage with DJs, bands and dance squads entertaining the crowd. The event ran late into the evening, and concluded with a drive-in movie where visitors could watch a film from the comfort of their vehicle.

Chris Seaward of the MGCC commented: ‘Passion for the MG brand continues to grow rapidly in China and it is fantastic to see marque loyalty unfolding in such an enthusiastic way. The MG3 is aimed at consumers in their 20s who have recently completed college or university education. The imagery and literature makes use of iconic British symbols, which seems to successfully capture the imagination of MG’s target audience. Subsequently, MGLive! China felt vibrant from the outset with a real carnival atmosphere. All in all, this year’s event was a resounding success and a real credit to MGCC China, who continue to make swift progress.’

Also at the event, the visitors from the UK were introduced to China’s highest-selling MG dealer. ‘He had a real appetite for widening his understanding of the brand,’ said Chris, ‘and he exemplified the very real hunger of many Chinese to learn about all things MG. Driving the MG3 was also a very positive experience, and the car performed strongly on the demanding Tianma race circuit. I am not surprised that sales of the car in China are showing steady growth, with 3500 units achieved in September and strong forecasts for the coming months.

‘During our latest visit, we were taken to the SAIC headquarters and shown various parts of the site. Once again it was clear that the investment into the MG and Roewe brands is substantial, and a range of new products are continually being planned. For the MGCC UK, it is rewarding to see the morals and ethics of our historic organisation flourishing in China and how MG enthusiasts in Shanghai appreciate the Club’s 81 year history. The MGCC China club house, the Green Room, has been further enhanced since our last visit to Shanghai in April and the building is now, like Kimber House, a social point for MG enthusiasts in the city. A new branch of the Club has also recently been opened in Shenzen, and more Centres are planned in due course.’