John Towers, former chief executive of MG Rover, says there is still a “slim hope” there could be a deal with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) to restart Longbridge production.
He said it would need “sophisticated planning in order to re-engage”. But The Chinese company said any deal was “out of the question” while Rover was in administration. However, SAIC is reported to have approached suppliers about making Rover cars in China or at Longbridge.
One of the potential bidders for MG Rover has decided not to proceed to the next stage after receiving a “very lightweight” 12-page document for PricewaterhouseCoopers. The Daily Telegraph tells how senior ministers held a series of meetings with the Iranian government before the Rover collapse with a view to clearing the way for a deal with Iranian firm Dastaan. Meanwhile, eight companies that handle MG Rover models abroad have been put into administration.
References: Financial Times 21/04/05 page 4, The Guardian 21/04/05 page 21, The Times 21/04/05 page 54, The Daily Telegraph 21/04/05 page 1, page 36 (Questor), page 38 (Main, City Comment), The Independent 21/04/
