MG was confirmed today as the fastest growing automotive brand in the UK for 2014 according to the latest figures released by SMMT.

The iconic British brand grew sales by 361 per cent (industrial average was 9 pc) following a highly successful launch of its new MG3 supermini, a major expansion of the dealer network and the addition of a new performance diesel powertrain in the MG6.

The record sales results provided the perfect end to MG’s 90th anniversary year after claiming victory as manufacturer’s champions in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in October and winning gold at the London Design Awards for the MG Design Concept in December.

To support their expansion in sales, their UK national dealer network grew significantly in 2014 with an additional 24 new dealers in locations across the UK and also in Newtownabbey and Bangor in Northern Ireland.

The successful return of the MG brand to the UK and over 40 other global markets has been driven by the massive investment in UK design, engineering and assembly by MG’s parent company, China’s SAIC Motor. SAIC Motor  entered the Global Fortune top 100 in 85th position in 2014, with 2013 yearly sales of 5.1 million and sales revenues of $92 billion. SAIC Motor is the first Chinese automotive manufacturer to exceed five million units in a year.