Independent dealer Lodge Hill Garage in Abingdon has joined the MG franchise.

Lodge Hill’s Principal, Nigel Murrin, said: “We’ve had a huge response from people wishing us well and saying how glad they are to see the MG name back. It’s just a reminder how much passion there is for the brand. 

“Now we’re planning to repay that with a huge official opening weekend event and we will be confirming the dates very shortly.” 

Lodge Hill Garage is on Oxford Road in Abingdon, the main commuter route between Abingdon and Oxford, not far from the site of the first MG factory.

Peter Jewson, the co-director of Lodge Hill, installed the Spitfire as a tribute to the mainly women pilots who formed the Air Transport Auxiliary. They flew the planes from the UK factories, where they were built, to their operational stations. 

He is also behind a fund to raise £10,000 to have a permanent memorial to the ATA in the Imperial War Museum. 

Lodge Hill Garage was established in 2003, but the addition of the MG franchise has created three new jobs – an MG trained technician, an apprentice technician and a receptionist. More new jobs could follow if the business expands. 

Murrin, who served a mechanical apprenticeship at the start of his career, has worked in the motor industry all of his working life, including working in the car trimming business and running the retail side of dealer operations. 

He said: “We can’t wait to get started with MG. The brand has a rich heritage, beginning on our doorstep. Both Peter and I have owned, and still own, classic MGs, but it’s the new models that are so impressive.

“The MG3 is just a great little car offering so much value for money and it drives so well. While the MG GS is just stunning – it’s an exceedingly good car.” 

Matthew Cheyne, MG’s Head of Sales and Marketing, said: “It’s always great to welcome new dealers to our brand, but even more so to now have a dealer representing us in the very birthplace of MG.”