NAC MG UK has said it has received ‘overwhelming response’ to its request for dealer applications in the run up to the launch of its MG TF sportscar.

The Chinese manufacturer, which bought MG Rover in 2005, said the majority of applicants in the UK are former MG franchise dealers. It said it had also received applications from dealers in Greece and South Africa.

Further enquiries have also been received from other manufacturer franchises which include Citroen, Lotus, Renault, Mitsubishi, Mercedes and Vauxhall. Potential UK locations for the newly established dealers span nationwide from Northern Ireland to the Channel Islands.

Stephen Cox, sales and franchising manager for NAC MG (UK), said: “We are delighted by the global interest which we have received and are also very encouraged by the high quality of the applicants.

“This is a true demonstration of the continued appeal of the MG brand, and an illustration of the confidence in a very promising future.”

Cox told AM earlier this month that it was working around autumn availability for the re-born MGTF roadster. He said NAC had sent out 96 franchise information packs, with 44 applications returned. These are currently being assessed.

NAC MG will reveal the identities of the UK dealers ‘shortly’.