MG Motor UK has appointed former Mercedes-Benz, FCA group and Kia Motors franchised dealer network specialist David Allington as its new network development manager.

The Longbridge-based operation, which is owned by China’s Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), recruited Allington as part of a series of appointments following the arrival of new head of sales and marketing, Daniel Gregorious, earlier this year.

MG claims that it has already exceeded its 2017 registrations in the UK market (FY 2017: 4,441) with the help of the introduction of its new ZS compact SUV, after the SMMT reported registrations of 4,286 to the end of June.

One Gregorious’ first appointments was that of experienced automotive PR, Carly Escritt, in the role of PR and events manager.

Escritt brought with her over 15 years’ experience in the automotive industry, having worked with Kia Motors for 13 years.

Gregorious said: “I’m delighted to welcome Carly and David to the MG team at such an exciting time for our brand.”

MG’s sales and marketing team is now based in a prestigious new sales and marketing office in Marylebone, London, which includes a 250 square metre showroom displaying the latest MG range along with a number of heritage vehicles.

Gregorious said: “The opening of our new offices and showroom in Central London gives MG a focal point from which to showcase the past, present and future of our iconic British brand. We’ve got an excellent range of cars today and the future is very bright.”