As the evenings grow darker and many of our beloved classic MGs get put in their garages for their winter slumber, it’s a reminder that there’s still one major highlight left in the motoring calendar, the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC on November 7-9. This annual event is a firm favourite for enthusiasts and, for many, a fitting finale to the classic car season

Here’s a preview of what you can find in your December Safety Fast!

MG Motor UK has announced that it is strengthening its UK presence with the launch of a state-of-the-art warehousing and parts distribution centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire. The new 15,000 m² facility will initially employ 40 people, with additional capacity to meet future demand for MG parts and services.

MG has partnered with XPO Logistics, one of the UK and Europe’s leading automotive logistics companies and a recognised innovator in sustainable, end-to-end supply chain solutions.

Guy Pigounakis, MG Motor UK Commercial Director, commented:

“XPO Logistics is a proven partner with an excellent track record in supporting major automotive operations. We’ve been impressed by their warehousing and delivery technology solutions, and the benefits these will bring to MG customers.”

“For MG, this is another significant step forward. The ongoing growth of the brand in our home market means there is now more scope to create exciting new opportunities here in the UK with partners like XPO Logistics.”

“Current and future MG customers will enjoy an even higher standard of service and experience. Our new Northamptonshire site marks an important step forward—it will help us deliver to our dealer partners faster, make ordering simpler, and give us the capacity to grow with our customers’ needs. More than just a facility, it represents our commitment to efficiency, quality, and care in everything we do.”

As the evenings grow darker and many of our beloved classic MGs get put in their garages for their winter slumber, it’s a reminder that there’s still one major highlight left in the motoring calendar, the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC on November 7-9. This annual event is a firm favourite for enthusiasts and, for many, a fitting finale to the classic car season

Here’s a preview of what you can find in your November Safety Fast!

Following an extended period of lobbying and consultation by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) culminating in the Call for Evidence to which Members responded in record numbers, the Federation can now share this Registration Policy Update from DVLA.

The Federation is very encouraged by these outcomes, not only with the revised policies but also with a clear change to a more sympathetic and pragmatic approach to the registration difficulties sometimes faced with older vehicles.

They also acknowledge the considerable time and effort Agency staff have obviously devoted to this matter and are grateful that they so carefully listened to our submissions.

OFFICIAL DVLA ANNOUNCEMENT – August 20 2025

• DVLA has announced updated policies to modernise the process for notifying DVLA when a vehicle has been repaired, restored and modified.
• Like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer need to be reported to DVLA, and more modified vehicles – including electric vehicle (EV) conversions – will be able to retain their original identities.
• Changes took effect from Tuesday August 26 2025.

DVLA has unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.

The new guidance reflects modern restoration methods and simplifies the registration process, helping classic car owners keep their vehicles on the road while ensuring safety and accurate records.

These changes follow an extensive call for evidence, which received more than 1,350 responses from classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector. In response, DVLA is replacing its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with two new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age.

Key changes include:

• like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C)
• vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes.
• vehicles that have been converted to electric will also be able to retain their original identity, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes.

Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood said: “We know how much love, time and effort goes into keeping classic cars – and we’re right behind the community.

“These changes are about cutting red tape and making life easier for enthusiasts, whether you’re restoring a vintage gem or converting it to electric. It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future.”

DVLA Chief Executive, Tim Moss, said: “We recognise the time, passion and care that keepers of classic vehicles invest in keeping their cars on the road. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the community to shape these changes.

“These updated policies support historic vehicle keepers, and the wider industry, with clearer registration processes that reflect modern restoration and modification practices, helping safeguard the UK’s rich and wonderful automotive history. These changes will allow enthusiasts to focus on what they love most: preserving and enjoying these remarkable vehicles.”

The new policies came into effect on Tuesday August 26 2025 with the full guidance can be found at: www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration

The DVLA also replaced its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with two new sets of guidance:

1. Repaired and restored vehicles  

There will be no requirement to notify DVLA where a vehicle has been repaired or restored back to its original working standard, providing:

• worn-out components or body panels are replaced on a like for like basis
• the appearance of the vehicle is the same as when it was originally manufactured
• Vehicle log book (V5C) details are not affected.

2. Modified vehicles 

Vehicles that have had significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes.

This could include:

• cutting into the chassis monocoque or frame
• changing the vehicle’s appearance or dimensions from the original manufacturer’s specification
• conversions from an internal combustion engine to electric propulsion

These changes are based on engagement with industry and stakeholders along with feedback from a call for evidence which launched on May 9 2024. DVLA published the summary of the responses to this on December 9 2024 and the revised guidance was published on Tuesday August 26.

MG Car Club members have been invited to join the 2026 Isle of Man Festival of Motoring, September 17-21 2026.

The previous British only edition sold out quickly with many members missing out. Almost half of the 300 spaces are already gone, which means popular ferry times and hotels are also close to capacity, so we wanted to give members early notice to book now and avoid disappointment.

The event features car displays, closed road runs, a police escorted motorcade of the full TT circuit, organised scenic runs, evening entertainment and more. The Festival continues to be the only four wheeled event with a closure of the full TT mountain section, coupled with it being British cars only, if there was a time to join this now well established and popular classic and sports car weekend, it is 2026!

We’ve negotiated a special £50 members discount (per car)and Scenic Car Tours ensure us that members will be kept together for the daily activities, regardless of hotel choice, with five hotels available to cater for all budgets.

Package price inclusions

• Ferry Crossing from Liverpool or Heysham
• Your choice of 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 nights accommodation at your choice of a 2 star, 3 star or 4 star hotels
• Breakfast each morning
• EXCLUSIVE Closed Road runs with fellow members on the Sloc Mountain Road including Course Marshals (Friday)
• Admission to the IOM Motor Museum (Friday)
• EXCLUSIVE MG parking in the Douglas car display (Saturday)
• EXCLUSIVE Police escorted motorcade of the TT Circuit (Sunday)
• EXCLUSIVE Closed Road runs with fellow members on the TT Mountain (Sunday)
• EXCLUSIVE TT Pitlanes photo-shoot with fellow members (Sunday)
• Buffet lunch at the Creg-Ny-Baa with fellow members (Sunday)
• Services of Scenic Car Tours Event Team throughout
• Road Book featuring Maps, Great Island Drives & Local Attractions
• Tour Rally Plate
• Car Parking at the Hotels

Prices start from £474.00 per person, including our £50 club discount. (Per person sharing 3 night 2* package).

For more information and to book please call Scenic Car Tours on 01732 879153 with your membership number. Full details also at www.iomfm.com

MG is surging into the future at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, unveiling two highly-advanced EVs which accelerate the marque’s technology offering and will appeal to drivers seeking the next level in electric driving  performance and intuitive technology for elevated safety, comfort and entertainment.

The sleek MG IM5 executive saloon and MG IM6 SUV are the most innovative cars to be offered by MG with the IM designation referring to Intelligence in Motion and providing a distinctive touchpoint for customers wishing to experience leading-edge automotive technology and design. Introducing the MG IM models today, David Allison Head of Product and Planning for MG said: “MG has made EV ownership accessible exciting and different with the MG Cyberster convertible leading the way for the brand. But now, we’re seeking to deliver technology leadership and innovation with MG IM, engaging with customers aspiring for the future, today.”

“This means MG IM5 Long Range can travel up to 441 miles on a single charge with the 100kWh battery option sitting on a new 800V architecture capable of delivering a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 17 minutes. Exhilarating performance and dynamic handling, which MG will always have a passion for, comes with a digital chassis and truly potent acceleration from the powerful electric Hurricane motors with 0-62mph achieved in just 3.2 seconds for MG IM5, and 3.5 seconds for MG IM6.”

MG IM models are defined by technology-led, premium cabins. Innovative features such as Rainy Night Mode and 4 mode One Touch Park Assist, which utilises the car’s 360 degree cameras and autonomous driving capabilities to perform complex parking manoeuvres automatically.

Urban driving is made simpler still with the introduction of revolutionary bi-directional, rear wheel turning technology, dramatically reducing the turning circle on the MG IM5 to 9.98 metres. Supported by Momenta, the assisted driving system offers safe, comfortable, and reliable driving even in the most complex real-world conditions.

A focal point of the cabin is the immersive, ultra-HD 26.3” infotainment display which is supported by a 10.5” touchscreen. All cars feature a stunning panoramic roof and a bespoke audio system featuring 20 speakers with the addition of four in-ceiling Sky Speakers for the richest, fullest sound. Exemplary cabin refinement is achieved with bespoke double-layer
laminated windows throughout.

MG is introducing six models into its UK home market, with a choice of 75kWh and 100KwH batteries as well as single and dual motor options. The IM5 range starts at £39,450 for the Standard 75 kWh version, with the Long Range 100 kWh model priced at £44,995, and the 100 kWh Performance variant available for £48,495. The larger IM6 SUV begins at £47,995 for the Long Range 100 kWh model, rising to £50,995 for the Performance version, and increasing to £52,995 for the exclusive Launch Edition.

Breathtaking design from MG

Making its return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the MG Cyberster impressed in a sophisticated new colour scheme. The Cyberster Black features a luxurious black finish that elevates the car’s striking design. The deep black paint is enhanced with ultra-fine glass particles that create a subtle sparkle. Using a premium paint process usually reserved for luxury cars, the finish appears matte and smooth when still but comes to life with a shimmering effect in motion.

Designed by Jozef Kaban, MG’s Vice President of SAIC Design, the Cyberster Black combines sleek chrome details with an all-black interior, making a strong visual statement.

Also unveiled as a dramatic design concept on the MG stand, the MG Cyber X concept reveals a new direction for the brand’s design language. This compact, all-electric urban explorer captures the creative spirit of MG’s emerging ‘Cyber’ sub-brand combining rugged styling with a city-focused edge. With its matte grey finish and pop-up headlights, the Cyber X features a strong silhouette and confident stance.

As a concept, Cyber X is a celebration of MG’s design potential, offering a glimpse into the future of electric mobility as the brand enters its second century.

A final highlight was the popular return of the MG EX4. Created especially for the Goodwood Festival of Speed by MG’s London design team, the MG EX4 is a bold reimagining of the Metro 6R4 rally legend of the 1980s and moves with the times by using the MG4 XPower’s extremely powerful electric drivetrain. MG’s designers have also created a bold new livery for the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

MG Motor UK has secured the Best Manufacturer title at the influential Autocar Awards 2025. The award is a notable achievement for MG and recognises the brand’s growing popularity in its UK home market where it began producing cars in Oxford over 100 years ago.

Autocar commended MG for the high quality of its innovative product range, overall excellent value and increased design appeal of recently introduced models. The dramatic MG Cyberster, a high-performance convertible, was commended for both its boldness of design and originality as well for propelling the marque into the future with an EV grand tourer that focuses on enjoyment and style. Mark Tisshaw Editor of Autocar commented: “MG’s sales success in recent years, which has seen it become one of the UK’s top 10
manufacturers, would’ve been reason alone to make it our Best Manufacturer for 2025. But it is the product quality combined with value, as well as the increasing design appeal, that impresses. The fun-to-drive, practical MG4 EV hatchback won our Best Electric Car in 2023 and MG has made even more progress. Models like the Cyberster are ambitious and innovative and we believe a springboard for what MG will bring us next.”

Guy Pigounakis, MG Motor UK’s Operations Director, comments:
“Recognition from Autocar, the world’s oldest car magazine which reviewed our first Oxford-built MG sports cars, is definitely special. MG has been on a remarkable journey of renewal, pioneering the introduction of affordable and advanced EVs and Hybrids and welcoming many new owners. Our springboard is indeed ready to launch new models that should delight and surprise customers.”