MG has announced that production of the TF LE500 sportscar will start at its Longbridge plant in Birmingham at the beginning of August, with the first cars delivered to showrooms in September.

Chairman for NAC MG UK, Mr He Xiao Qing said: "I am delighted to be in a position to talk about a launch date for the TF LE500 following a process of planning, re-organisation, active quality improvements and parts optimisation that we recognise resulted in frustration for our stakeholders.

"We are now fully focused on bringing our hard work to fruition." He said the new car was expected to appeal to a wide range of car buyers looking for the authentic sportscar driving experience, as well as existing small sportscar owners looking to upgrade, current owners and the large band of MG enthusiasts.

Gary Hagen, director of sales and marketing, said: "The open top sportscar is an iconic image of British motoring and forms the basis of the MG marque's long pedigree. The launch of the TF LE500 signals our determination to keep this class of car at the heart of the brand as we take it forward."

He said that with the launch of the new TF LE500, the company knew that it was also re-launching one of the best-known and best-loved brands in the world.

He said that while production efforts at Longbridge were focused on the LE500, designers at their SMTC facility in Leamington, Warwickshire were already planning new MG models that "would capture the essential qualities of the MG brand and extend the range into additional sectors".