Watch: Carl Gotham on MG’s Goodwood debut

Car Design News: It’s your first time here as a brand. How has it been?

Carl Gotham: It was a long journey to get here, and it’s been an ambition to have a stand in a more serious entity. We’ve got some great cars here to talk about and having all of our marketing teams from across Europe and China here to experience what this festival is about has been fantastic.

CDN: From speaking to other designers it seems like Goodwood is moving up the hierarchy of motor shows. How do you feel about that – where do you place it?

CG: Yeah, well it’s always been my favorite place to come because generally speaking the weather’s brilliant – although it’s been hit and miss today – but the car culture aspect of it is so unique. It’s not just about product, it’s about the dynamic aspect and a celebration of motoring history.

CDN: There’s a clash of cultures here because we’ve got new EVs being shown but also V8 petrols roaring up the hill behind us…

CG: Absolutely, although I think Goodwood has been quite positive in embracing that kind of shift.

CDN: And it’s the perfect place to show the MG Cyberster.

CG: The reaction’s been fantastic actually and we even introduced it to Lord March [now Duke of Richmond, organiser of Goodwood FoS] earlier as well. He was very interested in it from a brand heritage point of view, its relationship to MG’s illustrious legacy. To have this car here is really important – it’s a big stepping stone for the future as we bring back the sportscar image to the brand.

CDN: I heard a phrase earlier – ”zero emissions wasn’t enough for car enthusiasts” – but it seems like they are getting the sort of car they want now.

CG: Yeah, absolutely. People still have a connection to cars, so I think you can see an opportunity to maybe create some more niche vehicles. There’s still a need for diversity of product and styling.