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MG ROVER & SHANGHAI AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CORPORATION ANNOUNCE CO-OPERATION AGREEMENT

June 16, 2004

MG Rover Group with parent company Phoenix Venture Holdings (PVH) and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) announce that following the signing of an agreement, they have now entered into an exclusivity arrangement in order that the companies can develop a far reaching strategic relationship.

This co-operation will fund the development of new model programmes and will facilitate the exploitation of the global car market for the MG and Rover brands. This will, of course, include the very important Chinese car market.

Kevin Howe, Group Chief Executive of PVH said “Recently we have had discussions with several companies in China. We are delighted at the prospect of entering into a relationship with such a successful and respected partner, which will see a significant expansion in volumes of current and future products”.

Both companies are looking forward to announcing further details after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.

SAIC is the largest passenger car manufacturer in China, producing 600,000 passenger cars in 2003 with major joint venture partners General Motors and Volkswagen. SAIC supplies up to 30% of the total car market in China. In 2003, SAIC’s annual turnover was $11.7 billion from an asset base of $9.1 billion.
 

STYLISH CHANGES IMPROVE NEW ROVER 25

Revised exterior and interior style revisions to the new-look Rover 25 are announced today (May 18), a week before its show debut at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live, in Birmingham. Order placements are now possible through MG Rover dealers with first deliveries from July. Key features include:

· A distinctive new exterior style, with clear lens covered reflector headlamps

· New high quality fascia design, incorporating four styled circular air vents

· New technological, convenience, and comfort features unique for the sector

The latest 25 completes a new family style identity with clean and fresh, stylish lines providing a contemporary elegance that evolves consistently across the Rover range following the recent introductions of the latest 45 and 75, in the brand's centenary year. The new front bumper design and clear lens covered twin halogen headlamps produce a cleaner and more sculpted exterior appearance. Substantial changes are made to the rear too with a new hatchback and bumper style, complemented by new alloy wheels and centre-line badging. Inside, the high quality and stylish cabin features an all-new fascia, centre console, switchgear and an array of technology features. The new Rover 25 combines a crisp and attractive style with excellent refinement, supple ride and handling and high standards of accommodation for the sector.
 

NEW DISTINCTIVELY STYLED ROVER 45

A new Rover 45 is revealed today (April 5). This first image and product overview are offered in advance of full specification details and pictures to be communicated on April 20 2004.
A distinctive new exterior style, featuring latest twin headlamp design
New high quality fascia design, including new switchgear and instrumentation
New convenience, technological and comfort features

The new Rover 45 adopts the latest evolution of Rover’s highly regarded style identity. Its clean, fresh lines echo the contemporary elegance of the latest Rover 75. A new front bumper design produces a cleaner and more sculpted exterior appearance, dressed with twin lens multi-faceted reflector headlamps. Substantial changes are made to the rear design with a new boot and bumper style, complemented by new alloy wheels and centre-line badging.

Inside, the high quality and stylish cabin is reinforced with an all-new fascia style, centre console, switchgear, instrumentation and array of the latest technology features.

The new 45 combines a clean, fresh style with excellent refinement, supple ride and handling, with high standards of accommodation to refresh and maintain the appeal of Rover’s lower-medium sector product range.

In Rover’s centenary year, the 45 is part of an expanding range of products that includes the CityRover, Commerce CDV, 25, Streetwise and 75.

More specific information (product specification, performance, pricing and pictures) will be communicated on April 20 2004. The new Rover 45 will make its show debut at Motor Show Live, at the NEC, Birmingham (May 27), with first customer deliveries in May.

GENEVA MOTOR SHOW DEBUT ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE 'ROVER V8'

2 March 2004

MG Rover Group today, at the 74th Geneva Motor Show, unveils a new 75-derived top-of-the-range Rover V8 saloon, in the marque's centenary year. The Rover V8 incorporates a bespoke Monogram interior and is distinguished by a new exclusive front-end treatment with large grille, wholly reminiscent of previous V8 engined Rover cars. The Rover V8 marks the return of this illustrious derivative, first introduced as the archetypal Rover P5B.

The V8 derivative provides effortless performance to the Rover range. Available initially as a highly specified flagship derived from the Connoisseur SE specification, the bespoke interior brings new levels of luxury to a car already renowned for its inherent comfort and quality. The lavish trim specification is complemented by a prestigious new development of the latest 2004 Rover 75 exterior style theme, incorporating a new full depth radiator grille and imposing front bumper design.

Kevin Howe, Chief Executive, MG Rover Group, commented: "The return of the illustrious Rover V8 combines perfectly with the distinctive identity of this high-specification flagship and signifies an expanding confidence for the Rover marque, in its centenary year. Like its predecessors, it is a product of distinction and presence, with the new full-depth grille and front-end treatment a characteristic reminder of the refined delivery of power available from the 4.6-litre V8 harnessed under the bonnet."

DISTINCTIVE NEW FLAGSHIP ROVER 75 V8

Rover V8 - Product Overview

The new full-depth open grille is reminiscent of the archetypal Rover P5B. Like the P5 and other V8-powered Rovers since, the imposing and distinctive appearance of V8 derivatives is matched by a motoring experience that has no peers in this segment of the market. The Rover V8 four-door saloon is derived from the company's much-respected large car 75 platform. Driving the rear wheels, the in-line mounted 4.6-litre engine is matched to a smooth automatic transmission to offer refined yet effortless performance, entirely in keeping with the Grand Touring associations of this famous marque.

The vehicle displayed at Geneva incorporates a number of elements from MG Rover Group's extensive customer personalisation Monogram range of paint colours, trims and individual features, and is an ideal way for the discerning customer to individualise this exclusive car still further. Rover's famously comfortable seats have been trimmed in leather, designed to complement Rover's new Light Oak wood theme. Wood and leather are used, with an elegant wood and leather steering wheel and handbrake grip. Underfoot, superior quality carpets have been specified, with additional tailored convenience mats.

A comprehensive range of high technology features is available to complement the opulent interior of this flagship car. These include GPS guided satellite navigation, in-car Teletext TV and multi-disc DVD player with motorised screen, while audiophiles will appreciate the exceptional Harman/Kardon Hi-Fi system. These interior refinements are complemented by prestigious large diameter alloy wheels and discrete exterior badging.

Under the bonnet, the flagship V8 power unit develops 260Ps and 410Nm of torque that is fed to the road through the rear-wheels. Cruise Control is standard equipment. MG Rover Group's unique traction control system ensures that this considerable torque is deployed to good effect, whatever the conditions, whilst delivering rapid acceleration up to a top speed in excess of 150mph.

Derived from the power train installation first used in the MG ZT 260 V8, the proven Ford sourced engine is now mated seamlessly to a smooth automatic transmission. A new electronic engine management tune and unique exhaust and intake systems provide an impressive combination of refined cruising and an assertive, sonorous soundtrack under hard acceleration.

The V8 chassis is derived from the acclaimed rear drive MG ZT platform, launched last year. However, substantial revisions to chassis tuning have delivered a more compliant ride without sacrificing the confidence and stability inherent in the basic platform. In keeping with the immense reserves of V8 torque, the chassis has been tuned to deliver a rewarding yet relaxing driving experience. A new traction control system provides fast engine intervention to wheel slip. This has been developed in a partnership between MG Rover Group, British electronics experts Racelogic and American engine specialists Roush Industries.

Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group's Product Development Director, says: "This new derivative is an impressive addition to a distinguished Rover product range. The car's performance and poise will shorten any long-distance journey, though on arrival occupants will be reluctant to leave the luxury of this sumptuous interior!"

Performance and pricing

The Rover V8 has a maximum speed in excess of 150mph/240km/h, with acceleration to 60mph comfortably below 7 seconds. Precise market specification and pricing will be announced in due course. UK sales are expected to commence in May, followed across Europe mid-year.

The Rover V8 has been represented in products between 1967-1986 and is a hallmark of British cars with 'power in reserve'. Her Majesty The Queen owns two Rover V8s. In their day Rover V8s were specified by Prime Ministers Harold Wilson, James Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher. Previous V8-engined Rovers include the P5B 3.5-litre, P6B 3500, SD1 3500, V8S, 3500 Vanden Plas, Vanden Plas EFi and the 3.5-litre Vitesse.

MG XPOWER SV-R

March 2, 2004

MG SPORT & RACING OFFER EVEN MORE PERFORMANCE WITH "R" VERSION OF MG XPOWER SV AT GENEVA

MG Sport & Racing announces today a higher-powered version of its high performance sports car, the MG XPOWER SV-R, at the Geneva Show. The extra performance comes from a 5-0 litre, XPOWER version of the all aluminium, 32 valve, double overhead camshaft V8 engine. Built in conjunction with V8 tuning specialist Sean Hyland the car accelerates from standstill to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. Top speed is circa 175 mph/ 282 kph.

The modifications to the engine give a significant increase in power output from the 320 hp of the level entry SV to 400 hp at 6000 rpm in the SV-R. At the same time, the extra engine capacity gives a massive increase in torque from 410Nm to 510 Nm at 4750 rpm for awesome mid range performance.

To keep the extra power under control, the SV-R is fitted with larger diameter Brembo brake discs. New alloy wheels, a rear wing and unique detailing set this car apart.

Naturally the SV-R retains all the best features of the entry level SV, recently launched in the UK. The high tech vehicle features F1 inspired carbon fibre composite body construction, double wishbone race-developed suspension, remote telemetry with security tracking and full harness inertia seat belts.

An automatic transmission option will be available.

Every SV is individually built to personal customer order and prices for the entry level SV start from £65,750.00. Prices for the new SV-R start from £82,950.00

Revised Rover 75

January 20, 2004

MORE STYLE, SUBSTANCE AND VALUE FOR NEW ROVER 75 RANGE

MG Rover Group launches a new design style for its highly-regarded Rover 75 Saloon and Tourer models. The design embraces a sharper-edged front and rear exterior appearance, a larger integrated radiator grille, halogen projector headlamps and three distinct trim identities.

The new design style features three distinct trim identities, comprising Classic, Connoisseur and Contemporary, with SE derivatives and additional option packs that offer carefully tailored specifications across all points in the range. The established appeal of the Rover 75 range – with its unrivalled reputation as the definitive luxury premium Upper Medium saloon is further enhanced by the addition of the "Contemporary" derivative theme, providing a younger, more modern interpretation of traditional Rover values. Other features include a selection of new alloy wheel designs and options like Personal Assist – Smartnav® voice navigation and concierge service.

Rod Ramsay, Sales Operations Director, MG Rover Group, says: "These new models build on the established lineage of Rover design and will appeal to a greater cross-section of potential buyers. They offer a choice of distinct interior and exterior design themes to cater for individual taste and preference."

Exterior design summary

The clean lines of the sharper-edged new 75 design capture a fresh spirit of style with a larger and more prominent Rover grille, complemented by a new headlamp design incorporating standard fit halogen projector units.

The style of Rover 75 has been updated to offer cleaner, more progressive lines without jeopardising the integrity of the original design, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars in the world.

Exterior body and trim change summary:

New front bumper style incorporating larger Rover grille
Lower grilles in front bumper
New chrome boot lift handle
New style headlamps, with halogen projectors as standard
A new style indicator and side indicator repeater lamps
New Rover wheel centre badges
New ‘centre-line’ badging strategy
Union flag badging positioned on both ‘D’ posts
V6 badging positioned on front fenders
Comprehensive new range of alloy wheel designs
New rear bumper design
Improved, more responsive steering
Uprated security locking wheel bolts
Increased paint colour range, including new colours
- Tempest Grey metallic
- Cimarron Green metallic
- Black Pearl micatallic
- Firefrost Red pearlescent
12 New Monogram paint colours in a range of 23 exclusive shades
- The ability to specify certain trim items (seat/fascia colour, etc) to personal preference can be made as part of the Monogram option programme

Interior summary:

Rover 75 Saloon and Tourer already possess one of the most admired interiors in the motoring world. With the introduction of the Classic, Connoisseur and Contemporary variants this interior is now available in three distinctive identities. In particular, Contemporary models offer an entirely new and progressive interior based around a new black oak wood finish. This provides a distinctive, younger and more continental flavour to the cabin. Full leather seat trim is standard on SE derivatives of both Connoisseur and Contemporary models.

Rear passenger entry, egress and accommodation has been improved with better foot and knee clearance from re-profiled seat cushions and squabs.

Three interiors with individual taste and choice

Classic

The 75’s Classic interior is a comfortable driving environment, creating an air of luxury with traditional Burr Walnut, set in the Ash and Light Smokestone duo-tone fascia. The famously comfortable Rover 75 seats feature upgraded Axis cloth trim, while door casings are now trimmed in high quality Tuscany fabric. Air conditioning is now standard on Classic derivatives, which also offer a CD tuner and leather steering wheel with integral volume controls.

Connoisseur

The Connoisseur trim specification brings a new light, refreshing tone to the Rover 75 fascia with a Light Oak theme. The new Light Oak finish creates a distinguished ambience reminiscent of traditional English oak panelling, an atmosphere which is further enhanced by distinctive seat piping and a choice of Sandstone Beige or Ash combined with light Smokestone interior colourways.

Standard features include fully automatic climate control, and electric front and rear windows.

The Connoisseur SE features a wood and leather steering wheel, wood manual gear knob, piped leather and heated electric seats with the added convenience of memory driver’s setting and reverse parking sensors. To help ensure the interior remains a place of pride, convenient tailored carpet mats are standard.

Contemporary

Taking a fresh direction in Rover 75 styling is the Contemporary variant, where a Black Oak theme sits perfectly with the purposeful environment of Black cloth trimmed sports-style seats and Ash interior. Fully automatic climate control, front fog lamps, a CD tuner and 16" multi-spoke alloy wheels complete the high specification.

The highly specified Contemporary SE raises the standard equipment to even more impressive levels with attractive 17" Starspoke alloy wheels, black leather electric seats (with driver’s memory control), windscreen rain sensor, trip computer, parking sensors and a premium Harman/Kardon hi-fi speaker system with amplifier. The innovative TrafficMaster Traffic Alert System provides real time traffic congestion warnings across the UK’s busiest routes. Carefully designed option packs with selected convenience features are available on both the Contemporary and SE derivatives to enhance ownership pleasure.

Security

For security and peace of mind, superlocking disables door and tailgate lock releases and sophisticated electronic networks stand ready to trigger the alarm. Highly convenient ‘plip’ operated remote unlocking of the boot or tailgate is now available on all derivatives, while a robust engine immobiliser and remote control with a continuously changing security code complete the anti-theft defences.

See photos

(Ok, so not a Rover, but interesting none the less)

THE RETURN OF THE PRACTICAL BRITISH MUSCLE CAR

MG Rover Group has today (September 23) launched the V8 powered MG ZT 260 V8. The rear-wheel drive vehicle, available in ZT saloon and ZT-T estate car, powered by a 260bhp 4.6-litre V8 engine and with an awesome 410Nm of torque to deliver class-leading acceleration, is now available for customer order in the UK. With an on-the-road price starting at £27,995, the ZT 260 offers an unbeatable combination of price and performance.

Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Group’s Product Development Director, commented: “The MG ZT 260 V8 demonstrates our commitment to deliver cars of true pedigree and character. This is a truly rewarding car to drive. Our choice of a big, torquey engine has been vindicated as this is a deceptively quick and efficient cross-country car. The more you drive it, the more you appreciate its unique ‘muscle car’ character that flies in the face of our competitors’ trend towards buzzy high-revving engines.

“Its introduction means MG now has the broadest range in its 80-year history. The new V8 heralds the return of the practical British muscle car, and as an MG it’s obviously great value too.”

Pictures of the new ZT here.

Overview

The ZT 260 is a fully engineered evolution of the front-wheel drive ZT. Clever installation techniques have permitted the larger capacity engine and rear-wheel drive power-train to be incorporated within the robust bodyshell, without major visual changes. Below the skin the platform is largely new with significant changes to many functional vehicle systems to accommodate the revised drive-line layout, to produce a car of great driving character.

Recently a development ZT-T V8 was taken to the Salt Flats at Bonneville, Utah where the MG achieved a maximum speed of 225mph from a specially tuned V8 engine variant.

Design and Development

The development engineers were briefed to deliver the ultimate antidote to an anodyne world. The challenges involved in transforming the drive platform and packaging a large capacity V8 engine into the existing front-wheel drive vehicle should not be underestimated. Advanced computer techniques were used to package the new hardware without sacrificing the strengths of the established ZT platform. Sophisticated modelling techniques were used to refine the kinematics of the completely new multi-link rear axle configuration and to ensure that despite the revised engine installation, the car continues to meet the latest standards for occupant protection in all its markets.

Given the magnitude of the changes, it is no surprise that ZT has been extensively tested, seeing action in climates ranging from the bitterly harsh conditions of the Swedish winter through to the burning heat of high speed testing in Arizona and Australia.

Body Structure

Externally there is little clue to the extent of body structure changes necessary to accommodate the new rear-wheel drive powerunit, indeed ZT 260 shares the same acclaimed style of the front-wheel drive ZTs. Extensive changes have been made to the underfloor, with new designs for the front and rear floor, as well as an enlarged transmission tunnel to accommodate the in-line gearbox. A new manufacturing facility has been commissioned alongside the existing sophisticated ZT manufacturing line to ensure these changes to the body are delivered to consistently high quality standards.

Powertrain

The ZT 260 utilises Ford’s proven 4.6-litre V8 engine, widely used in North America to power the iconic Ford Mustang. Modifications have been made to the powertrain to assist in packaging the engine while MG’s engineers have also developed new intake, exhaust and emissions control systems to ensure the vehicle complies with stringent European noise legislation with no loss of power or torque. A new electronic engine calibration helps ensure the car exceeds current European emissions legislation.

The exhaust system, twinned for most of the length of the car, is distinguished by new quad-tailpipes. Outside the system produces a classic V8 burble, while inside the cabin remains quiet until aroused by the throttle when it resounds to the sporting note of a true thoroughbred.

ZT 260 features Tremec’s TR3650 five-speed manual gearbox, manufactured in North America. The unit has been extensively modified to meet MG’s needs and features unique gearing to suit the demands of European driving. MG’s engineers have also developed an all-new gear selection system and bespoke hydraulic clutch actuation to ensure precise and positive gear changes.

The rear axle features Dana’s Hydratrak® limited slip differential system, which utilises vane-pump principles to ensure continuous and seamless torque transmission to both rear wheels in the event of wheel speed differential.

Steering and Suspension

The ZT 260’s steering and suspension systems have evolved radically to match the performance of the V8 power unit. Developed by driving enthusiasts for enthusiasts, the team focused their efforts on honing the car’s classic rear-drive handling to provide seamless, fluid and adjustable attitude control under the widest range of conditions. The result is a car that blends day-to-day ease of use with the driver-rewards of a true thoroughbred.

Power steering, driven by a higher capacity pump, is now via a new forward mounted rack layout providing excellent feel and driver feedback to the leather-bound wheel.

The geometry of the ZT's MacPherson strut front suspension has been tuned to the requirements of the new chassis platform. A new design of upright is matched to Eibach linear rate springs and a new, larger diameter anti-roll bar. Wheel response is controlled by Bilstein monotube struts, which combine a large piston area for fine tuning resolution with very high bending stiffness for improved camber control. The design employs a significantly revised subframe, which provides a stable operating platform for the chassis while also acting as a key loadpath in the event of a major impact.

A new multi-link rear suspension has been developed specifically for the ZT 260 V8. A new six-mount subframe houses the Hyrdratrak® differential, while each wheel is located by three lateral links (two steel and one light-alloy) and a light alloy trailing arm. Compound rate springs, also sourced from race specialist Eibach, work in conjunction with Bilstein monotube dampers to provide excellent wheel control. Roll behaviour is controlled by a new anti-roll bar.

Both ZT 260 models feature 18” alloy wheels; the attractive ‘Straights’ design is specified on the ZT 260 with a new ‘Apex’ 10-blade design on the ZT 260 SE. Contisport 225/45 ZR18 tyres balance excellent lateral stability with crisp, precise steer response.

Braking

ZT 260 has a new H-split braking system providing excellent stopping power. At the front, proven large capacity 325mm ventilated discs and sliding-pin callipers are specified. At the rear a new AP-Racing sourced brake system is specified with 332mm ventilated discs and opposed piston alloy callipers.

Interior environment

A new HEVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning) unit is fitted to the ZT 260. The new unit is a water-blend design featuring a dedicated electronic control unit to drive servo-motor valves to regulate the water flow around the heating circuit. This system has been refined to offer similar levels of response and control to the existing ZT’s acclaimed air-blending system. All models feature ATC (Automatic Temperature Control), using the familiar user-friendly interface of other ZT models.

A discreet V8 badge in the centre of the fascia differentiates the interior of the car, while other aspects of the cabin environment are broadly similar to the existing ZT models.

A new moulding below the boot floor accommodates the relocated battery and the CD autochanger (standard on the ZT 260 SE). Major controls, which include steering, clutch and gear selection have all been refined to suit the ZT 260 V8’s more muscular character.

Black leather trim, highline satellite navigation that includes a Teletext equipped TV tuner and park distance sensors are but a few of the features that distinguish the SE.

ZT 260 V8 – Product specification
ATC air conditioning
Electric front windows and heated door mirrors
Front fog lamps
Leather steering wheel and gear knob
ABS
Driver, passenger and side (thorax) airbags
18” ‘Straights’ multi-spoke alloys with 225/45 ZR18 tyres
CD tuner
Lip spoiler (on ZT saloon)
Thatcham Category 1* approved alarm immobiliser system

ZT 260 SE models include the following additional features:
High-line satellite navigation
Teletext equipped TV tuner
Side head impact protection (ITS) for front seats
18” ‘Apex’ 10-blade alloy wheels
A choice of ‘lip’ or ‘wing’ boot lid spoiler (on ZT saloon)
Moveable load restraint net cassette system (on ZT-T estate)
Xenon lights
CD autochanger
Trip computer
Electro chromatic self-dimming rear view mirror
Rain sensor
Electric front seats
Black leather seat trim
Parking distance control
Electric sunroof

Pricing and Competition

The range is launched in both ZT saloon and ZT-T estate models and is available in two trim specifications. The MG ZT 260 V8 starts from an on-the-road price of £27,995, with the higher specified SE model £32,750 OTR. MG ZT-T 260 V8 estate models start from £28,995 OTR.

With its large displacement engine offering 410Nm of torque, its rewarding driving experience and excellent feature specification, the ZT 260 V8 will attract buyers from established premium sports saloons such as the BMW 330i, Jaguar X-TYPE 3.0 and Volvo S60 T5.

MG ZT / ZT-T 260 V8
Technical specification and performance

ZT 260 ZT-T 260
Engine 4.6-litre V8 4.6-litre V8
SOHC, 2V SOHC, 2V

Fuel Sequential multipoint electronic fuel injection

Max power kW 191 191
Ps 260 260
@ engine speed rpm 5000 5000
Max torque Nm 410 410
lb.ft 302 302
@ engine speed rpm 4000 4000
Max 'red-line' speed rpm 6000 6000
Cd 0.33 0.35
CdA m2 0.72 0.75
Unladen weight kg 1680-1770 1740-1835

Transmission Five-speed manual Five-speed manual
Final drive ratio 3.46:1 3.46:1
Wheels/tyres front/rear 7.5J 225/45 ZR18 7.5J 225/45 ZR18

Gearing
Final drive ratio 3.460 3.460
5th 0.730 0.730
4th 1.000 1.000
3rd 1.330 1.330
2nd 1.990 1.990
1st 3.370 3.370
Reverse 3.615 3.615

Overall gearing /1000rpm
5th mph (km/h) 29.7 (47.7) 29.7 (47.7)
4th 21.6 (34.8) 21.6 (34.8)
3rd 16.3 (26.2) 16.3 (26.2)
2nd 10.9 (17.5) 10.9 (17.5)
1st 6.4 (10.3) 6.4 (10.3)

Performance
Max speed (limited) mph (km/h) 155 (250) 155 (250)
Engine speed @ Max rpm 5190 5110
0 - 60mph secs 6.2 6.3
0 - 100km/h secs 6.6 6.7
0 - 100mph secs 16.3 16.8
0 - 1/4 mile secs 14.9 15.0
0 - 1000m secs 26.9 27.1
30-50mph (4th gear) secs 5.5 5.7
50-70mph (4th gear) secs 5.5 5.7
80-120km/h (4th gear) secs 6.9 7.1

Maximum speed in gears
5th mph (km/h) 155 (250) 155 (250)
4th 130 (209) 130 (209)
3rd 98 (157) 98 (157)
2nd 65 (105) 65 (105)
1st 39 (62) 39 (62)

Rover Celebrates The Five-millionth Rover

Rover has announced that on July 10 2003 it built its five-millionth car since production began in 1904. Kevin Howe, Chief Executive, MG Rover Group, said: "Though MG Rover Group is a relatively young company, the Rover marque represents a very important historical legacy. Next year we'll be celebrating Rover's centenary, which will also hold special significance."

The five-millionth Rover is a 75 Saloon, powered by a K Series 2.5-litre V6 engine, and painted in a special Xirallic® Aubergine paint finish. The car is upholstered with unique Oyster leather seats, an aubergine Personal Line interior and Connoisseur SE specification, with Hi-Line satellite navigation and many additional top-of-the-range items that combine to make this a special Rover.

The most popular Rover ever was the Rover 200 (R8) model launched in 1989 and the first application of the legendary lightweight K Series engine still fully utilised in higher-output current products. The five-millionth Rover car will be retained by the company, in preparation for Rover's centenary celebrations next year, in 2004. In the UK you can buy a replica of this car. It will go on sale priced at £29,995, with a Sony DVD option at £2,499.

MG Rover has also released an "Official" production table by model from 1904. You can download a pdf document of this here. (You will need the free Adobe PDF Reader to view this available from Adobe)