MG has predicted a buoyant 2013 following a year which saw it become the fastest growing British automotive brand in the UK.

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have revealed MG Motor UK's sales grew by a 117 per cent in 2012.

The firm said the record breaking year meant the revival of the famous MG octagon was well on track and predicted 2013 would be “one of the most significant years in the marque’s history”.

The latest figures come in the wake of Longbridge-based MG releasing a diesel version of its MG6 GT and MG6 Magnette models to compliment the existing petrol-powered versions.

This year will also see the MG3 supermini coming off the Longbridge production line.

Last year was a record for MG with more cars sold in the UK than in 2010 and 2011 combined. It was the best year for MG sales in Britain since 2006.

Eight new MG dealerships opened in 2012 and the network will grow again this year to support the expanding range of new models available in the UK market.

World-wide the MG brand is growing at a faster rate than any time in its 89-year history. MG is owned by SAIC Motor, China’s largest automotive company and the eight largest in the world. There are now 190 MG dealers in China and modern MG’s are sold in more than 40 countries throughout the world.

MG’s for the UK are designed and engineered at the MG Birmingham site where SAIC Motor’s European Design and Technical Centres (SMTC) are located. Final assembly of MGs for the UK market is also carried out at the Birmingham.

In 2013 the Design Centre at the MG Birmingham site will become the fifth largest in Britain when a huge £1.5-million extension plan is completed.

This will be the latest story in an on-going investment programme by MG’s parent company which recently saw a £1.4-million Engine Test Cell facility opened at the 60-plus acres site on Lowhill Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham.

This year will also see the MG KX Momentum Racing team compete in the British Touring Car Championship series for a second year. In 2012 MG driver Jason Plato claimed third place in the driver’s championship in what was only supposed to be the team’s ‘learning year’ in MG’s return to the track.

Guy Jones, MG Motor UK’s sales and marketing director, said: “The last few years have seen us laying down foundations to take MG forward.

"This year will mark the start of a significant new chapter for a brand that is close to the hearts of so many people in Britain and throughout the world.

“In the first quarter of 2013 we will expand the product range with the addition of high technology diesel power train for MG6 and our first special edition model, the MG6 GT BTCC Edition.

"Later in the year the MG3 super mini will be launched into the largest sector of the UK market. So 2013 certainly promises to be an exciting year for MG.”