Longbridge has suffered another blow after MG announced it would stop assembling cars at the historic plant (above see footage of the launch of MG).

Cars will no longer roll out of the plant after MG Motor UK owner SAIC announced it would “no longer be required” following a cost-cutting drive – despite rising sales.

Northfield MP Richard Burden described it as “hugely disappointing” and premature and it came after the company announced a 130 per cent increase in market share last month.

The company confirmed there would be job losses as a result but a spokesperson told the Mail it was only expecting about 15.

The rest of the staff will be redistributed into other roles at the SAIC Motor Technical Centre, focused around design and engineering.

But Labour MP Mr Burden said: “MG’s decision to close its assembly line at Longbridge is hugely disappointing and I believe it is premature.

"I understand the business concerns that MG have surrounding costs of assembly at Longbridge, which have undoubtedly been aggravated by problems with the strength of the pound. However, more discussions should have taken place to explore alternatives and options before any decisions were finalised.

“Having spoken to the Government, I know they are willing to meet MG to discuss and explore options and help that may be available and I am sure the same will be true for the local authority and the Local Enterprise Partnership. That is why I have appealed to MG to delay this decision pending such detailed meetings.”

With production a thing of the past at Longbridge, from now vehicles will arrive fully built ready for distribution in the UK.

SAIC said centralising production would create a leaner business model and ensure global market competitiveness.

It said it would continue to employ more than 400 skilled design engineers at Longbridge as well as sales, marketing and aftersales operations.

Matthew Cheyne, head of sales and marketing at MG Motor UK, commented: “With efficiency and flexibility both key to long-term market success, off-shoring vehicle production is a necessary business decision.

“Relocating to state-of-the-art overseas production facilities will allow faster access to product and help to meet ever-increasing customer demand, all while maintaining the highest levels of production quality.

“In addition, improving production scale efficiencies will support ongoing sales growth in the UK market – a key priority.”