Bring the MGF to the USA

Bring the MGF to the USA
We the people...............WANT THE MGF!!!

This site is intended to start a grass roots campaign to make the MGF (MG TF) available for sale in the United States of America (and Canada for that matter). Since MG Rover have been unwilling or unable (in light of current events the latter) to take the initiative to accomplish this I decided there had to be another way to get this superb little sports car within reach of American motorists.

To achieve this, we need to overcome some significant regulatory issues. One person could not hope to do it alone, but I am willing to bet that there are thousands of people across this country both loyal MG fans and newcomers to the marque alike, who, if they are willing to act together can make this happen. Remember, there is strength in numbers and it is more than a little ironic that the very country with whom a war of independence was fought some two centuries ago gets to enjoy the MGF (along with most everywhere else in the World) and yet Americans do not have the same entitlement - something to think about......................

Since the mid Sixties, the United States through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has specified various standards that car manufacturers must adhere to if they wanted to sell their products in the USA. Until recently there was a huge difference between cars produced for the American market versus those for the rest of the World in terms of safety standards and exhaust emissions. However, that situation has changed significantly in the past five to ten years especially with regard to cars produced for the European market.

A person wishing to import a car into the USA must, under contract with an idependent firm authorized by the NHTSA and known as a registered importer (RI), prove to the NHTSA and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the car meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). If the car in question is not similar to a model already sold in the USA, the process is more difficult. I have approached a handful of RI's and been told that it is not possible to import such a car, but when one reads the NHTSA web site they leave the issue open to interpretation. The NHTSA states: Where there is no substantially similar U.S.- certified motor vehicle of the same model year, a vehicle can only be determined eligible for importation if its safety features comply with or are capable of being altered to comply with all applicable FMVSS based on destructive test information or other evidence NHTSA decides is adequate. RI's that I have spoken with so far tell me that the NHTSA will only accept crash data from American tests, but that is not specifically stated in the preceding quote.

The fact is that the MGF has been crash tested by the European NCAP and their findings are shown below. The Euro NCAP tests are equally, if not more stringent than the US tests:

	Front Impact	Side Impact
MG TF	63%	89%	This table compares the MGF crash data (model year 2003, vin SARRDLBPC3D609539 onwards) to several other cars that are sold in the US market. Among cars in its class (roadsters) it equalled or bettered every other car in the side impact test and made a very respectable showing in the frontal test, especially compared with two other small cars which are also available in the USA.
Audi TT	75%	89%
BMW Z4	88%	89%
Honda S2000	75%	83%
Mazda MX-5	69%	78%
Mercedes SLK	69%	83%
Hyundai Accent	25%	50%
VW Beetle	63%	89%

I should point out that the MGF's we are seeking to import are post 2003 models. These models are all available with (or have as standard equipment) dual airbags, seat belt pretensioners and side impact beams in the doors, which are core FMVSS requirements. Earlier models lack some or all of these safety features and would be inadmissable for importation. Fair enough, I can accept that. However, what is not acceptable is the attitude that late models produced to current European standards are somehow inferior just because the tests have not taken place in the USA. Friends, if we want MGF's in the USA, this is what we need to overcome and it may well take a massive letter, fax, telephone, email campaign to your Federal Congress person. The NHTSA's motto is "people saving people". Well, they are also people serving people, namely us the American taxpayer and perhaps your Congressional representative needs to be reminded of that.

One RI lists some other items that may need attention. Perhaps some MGF owners in other countries can confirm if their cars already have these features:
the minimum requirements for the speedo is that it shows both KM and Miles and that the odometer is labeled that it is in KM, " DOT" needs to be on, and might need replacing, would be lights and lenses, windows, tires and rims and brake lines. Air bags and shoulder belts. "Objects are Closer Than They Appear" needs to be on the passenger side mirror. It will need a high mounted third brake light. The bumper needs shock type supports & steel reinforcement beams. The power windows need to be inoperative when the key is in the off position.

If we can successfully petition the NHTSA to recognise the MGF's safety credentials, all that remains is to satisfy the EPA. The MGF is equipped with on board diagnostics, oxygen sensors and the like because again, Europe is now more or less at parity with (or maybe even advanced beyond) the USA with regard to emissions standards.

Please contact me (Brad Wilson) at: trijagparts@mindspring.com with your comments and suggestions

MG TF kit
We are working with our UK parts suppliers to make the MG TF available in the USA in the near future as a kit. We will supply our customer with a painted and assembled body & chassis minus the engine and transmission. In order to be eligible for kit status, the customer must purchase their engine & transmission from another company and install it (or preferably arrange for professional installation) themselves. We will supply a list of recommended engine and transmission choices along with approved vendors/installers.

Pricing has not yet been finalised, but an on the road price in the USA (based on Ł1=$1.85) is currently in the region of $80,000. We are hoping to reduce this by negotiating more favourable parts pricing in the UK. This project also depends upon production re-commencing because the current supply of body shells is very limited. For more details or to place a tentative order for your new MG TF please call Brad Wilson at (931) 801-0509.

Links
Registering a kit car (Car & Driver magazine)
More kit car information

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