The MG brand will return to Ireland within weeks after the Chinese owner of the ill-fated British sportscar marque - Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC) - confirmed that it is to launch its limited edition two-seat MG TF LE500 here before the end of October, reports the Irish Times.

NAC is at the final stages of agreeing terms with a newly-appointed Irish importer - KC Garages in south Dublin - which previously sold MG Rover cars before the manufacturer's collapse in 2006. Heading Ireland's newest car importer will be Gus Corrigan, who has a long history with the MG marque. He was managing director of MG Rover Ireland for three years until the collapse…KC garage will now multi-franchise, selling both Kia and MG and will initially be the only dealership in Ireland to sell the new MG TF until agreements are signed with other dealers.

The niche rear-wheel drive hardtop TF LE500 comes with just one engine (a 1.8-litre 134bhp petrol unit) and will be the only model available for at least 18 months…Corrigan confirmed that demand for the new sportscar, which will be priced just below €30,000, will be limited and will peak at an expected 35 units in 2009.

Irish Times