Author Archives: Mark Braunstein

British automaker Morgan has announced that its four-wheel models will return to the United States after 10 years of absence through the company’s official U.S. arm, Isis Imports.  Previously allowed to sell the 3-Wheeler model only, Isis will, from now on, be able to import the more traditional four-wheeled models thanks to a new law.

The British carmaker has yet to say which models will cross the pond to North America, but it’s likely that customers will have access to some of the vehicles from the Classic lineup, which includes the 4/4, Plus 4, Roadster, and Plus 8.

“While details remain to be finalized, the latest word from the Morgan Motor Company is that they anticipate opening the order books for NEW Morgan cars for the USA, possibly as soon as this summer,” Isis Imports said in a statement. “It is possible that production may begin on USA spec cars before the end of the year.”

Isis Imports is already accepting deposits for four-wheeled Morgans, which are refundable “up until eight weeks prior to the build of your car after your specifications are finalized.”

Pricing information is not available, but expect U.S.-spec Morgans to be a tad more expensive than their British-market counterparts. The most likely vehicle to head this way is the Roadster, which uses a 3.7-liter V-6 rated at 280 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Tipping the scales at only 2,094 pounds, the Roadster hits 62 mph from a standing start in only 5.5 seconds and tops out at 140 mph.

Why It Matters

This is obviously good news for U.S. retro sports car enthusiasts, who have been missing out on many no-nonsense British vehicles throughout the years. Caterham ’s Seven, for instance, was only recently imported to the U.S. in dedicated North American specification. Morgan was the second neo-retro automaker that could sell its cars Stateside, but fortunately that has changed, and enthusiasts will have access to one of the very few cars that are still being built with a classic recipe. Sure, we probably won’t see a full lineup of Morgans on U.S. soil anytime soon, but one or two nameplates are better than none. Happy motoring!

Morgan has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of Dennis de Roos as Commercial Director.

Having previously worked in senior roles at Saab, General Motors and Club Car, Dennis has extensive Sales and Marketing experience. With strong attributes in Network Development, Dennis will be working closely with Morgan’s Global Dealer Network and also managing commercial opportunities for the Morgan brand.

Steve Morris, Managing Director of Morgan, said: “Dennis brings a wealth of experience to the role with exceptional skills in Sales and Marketing. Dennis’s role will see him work closely with our retails partners, and I look forward to assisting him in strengthening our Global Dealer Network.”

Commenting on his new position, Dennis said: “I’m delighted to have been selected for this exciting role and to have a unique opportunity as part of the next chapter in Morgan’s development and growth. Morgan is an iconic British brand with a long tradition of manufacturing highly desirable sports cars and I look forward to becoming part of the team, working closely with the Global Dealer Network.”

Dennis will be based at the Morgan factory in Malvern and starts in June.

Morgan Technologies Limited is delighted to announce the appointment of new company Chairman, Dominic Riley. Dominic joins the 107 year old family owned firm from June, taking over from Andrew Duncan, who will remain as a Non-Executive Director of the family trust.

“We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Dominic Riley to the board of Morgan Technologies.  Dominic brings enormous skill and experience of a wide range of industries that will complement the existing team going forward.  Dominic joins as Chairman-designate for a 3 month period during which he will work closely alongside myself before taking over the Chairman’s role that I have held over recent years.  At the end of this period I will step back whilst remaining a non-executive Director of the company.  It has been a pleasure to see the progress made over the last few years and I wish Dominic luck and the company every success going forward.”

Andrew Duncan, Chairman of Morgan Technologies Limited

 

“Having made some tremendous progress with Andrew and the rest of the board over recent years I would first like to thank him and wish him well for the future, he has been a tremendous support to myself and the team.  Looking to the future I am excited to have someone of Dominic’s calibre joining the board to help us continue to improve and grow the business.  The opportunity for Morgan is enormous, with new models and power-train developments already announced, we have plenty more in the pipeline and continue to work more closely with all our partners delivering cars that people love.”

Steve Morris, Managing Director Morgan Technologies Limited

 

“The shareholders and board would like to echo Andrew and Steve’s welcome to Dominic, we are very excited about his appointment and look forward to working together.  We also feel that it is an appropriate time to thank Andrew for his very significant contribution to the company, over the last 2 years as Chairman, and over the last 3 decades as a trusted advisor and friend to my father, Peter Morgan, and also to our family and the company.  Whilst Andrew recently turned 70 years old, we look forward to continuing to work together in his ongoing capacity as non-executive Director and trustee, and also to sharing many more social events that make up the Morgan calendar.”

Jill Price, Shareholder, Director and grand-daughter of HFS Morgan