Discussion
Rover have been in talks with Daewoo for some time now about acquiring the former Daewoo factories in Poland.
One unconfimed source that I have suggests that an agreement may have been reached last week.
I've also heard that Longbridge is leased back from BMW. Anyone know if that is the case?
You can see where this is heading...
One unconfimed source that I have suggests that an agreement may have been reached last week.
I've also heard that Longbridge is leased back from BMW. Anyone know if that is the case?
You can see where this is heading...
The Longbridge site itself is a bit of a turkey. Apparently it is riddled with underground chambers from its previous existence making it very difficult to put modern car making facilities in place. (Heard this from a mate who was an engineer there). If Rover don't own it, as TED wondered, then so much the better for them. Be a pity if they had to up root and move production overseas. Other manufacturers seem to be able to build new facilities in the UK and make money out of the. The kiss of death seems to be if it is an all British organisation.
From an article in the Guardian, Oct 2000....
I've also heard that Longbridge is leased back from BMW. Anyone know if that is the case?
"Proton is believed to have been interested in the joint purchase of the engine plant at MG Rover's Longbridge factory in Birmingham, which is still owned by the UK firm's ex-parent, BMW."
BMW used to retain ownership of the powertrain division at Longbridge, but Rover bought it last year.
I think this had something to do with BMW having to guarantee continuity of supply of K series engines to Ford for the Freelander.
Longbridge site is owned by Rover.
BMW retained the Triumph name though, plus several others. Rover is also prohibited from building an off roader 4 x 4 stylee thing in case this confuses people with the (Now Ford owned) Land Rover Marque.
The Proton deal fell through. The Daewoo Poland deal is still on, as is the Tata India deal.
Still can't wait for the V8 RWD Rover 75 + MG ZT models due soon.
Andy 400se
I think this had something to do with BMW having to guarantee continuity of supply of K series engines to Ford for the Freelander.
Longbridge site is owned by Rover.
BMW retained the Triumph name though, plus several others. Rover is also prohibited from building an off roader 4 x 4 stylee thing in case this confuses people with the (Now Ford owned) Land Rover Marque.
The Proton deal fell through. The Daewoo Poland deal is still on, as is the Tata India deal.
Still can't wait for the V8 RWD Rover 75 + MG ZT models due soon.
Andy 400se
Yes, it's true.
It's a Ford V8 in two stages of tune (rumour is 260 bhp + 375bhp) to be badged MG ZT 260 and MG ZT 375.
There will be estate versions too.
Performance is expected to "adequate"
Prototypes have completed hot weather testing in USA.
Budget prices are thought to be around £30k.
Andy 400se
It's a Ford V8 in two stages of tune (rumour is 260 bhp + 375bhp) to be badged MG ZT 260 and MG ZT 375.
There will be estate versions too.
Performance is expected to "adequate"
Prototypes have completed hot weather testing in USA.
Budget prices are thought to be around £30k.
Andy 400se
MG-Rover are still working with Proton, and their "sports car division" (and we know who that is).
Proton are planning to assemble the Rover 75 for the Malaysian market. More details here:
http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9090
Proton are planning to assemble the Rover 75 for the Malaysian market. More details here:
http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9090
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