Sheffield is to become the first city in Britain to have two new MG dealerships opened ready for the September plate-change campaign.

Former MG Rover outlet Eric Stead Garages in Ecclesfield, which also represents Hyundai, will cover the north of Sheffield while Grant & McAllin in Holbrook will cover the south side of the city.

They are both on target to open by the end of August, just ahead of the launch of the new MG3 supermini. 

By the end of 2013 a further six MG dealerships are expected to open at key sites across the country.

Discussions are also currently taking place with several other prospective dealers in major UK towns and cities.

Trevor Stead, Eric Stead Garages' managing director, said: “MG has always been an important brand for us and it’s steeped in history and heritage. But it’s the MG of the future that really excites me – I can honestly say that winning the MG franchise was one of the proudest and most exciting days of my life.”

The dealership, started by Trevor’s father in 1963, has a 10 bay workshop, a modern, open nine new car showroom and employs 23 people.     

Four generations of the same family are behind Grant & McAllin, now run by Lee Atack as a used car dealership in a £2.2 million site with a includes a 10 bay workshop and a 25 car showroom.

Lee said: “MG has always been a brand that people love and respect and I share the same feelings. I can’t wait to start selling the new breed of MGs. I think that the MG6 is a highly competitive vehicle and from what I’ve seen of the MG3 it’s a brilliant package.

“Now everyone in Sheffield will have a local dealer and I look forward to working alongside Trevor in such exciting times.”