Note: MG Rover Group have also confirmed their attendance at the Birmingham motor show in October

The interior has special colour co-ordinated sports seats, Rhodium silver fascia detailing and silver instrumentation.  The MG sports steering wheel and gearshift use an alloy and leather combination design.  ZS 180 versions are specified in black perforated leather, with matching gearshift and handbrake gaiter.

MG Rover and the Government of Poland are involved in discussions relating to the potential continuing operations of the Daewoo FSO plant in Warsaw and Daewoo FSO's distribution operations in Poland.

The scope of the discussions includes the continued production of models currently manufactured at the Zeran plant in Warsaw, and the 'local' manufacturing of MG Rover vehicles and engines.  This would give MG Rover representation in the region, in order to develop its presence.

The plant currently produces the Daewoo Matiz, Nubira and Lanos vehicles, plus the Fiat-based Polonez.  Discussions are being conducted exclusively.  Several meetings have taken place but as yet no formal decisions have been taken.  Further announcements will be made in due course, until then no further information will be available.

MG Rover Group today confirms that it has signed a business and marketing partnership with Caterham Cars, the specialist British sportscar manufacturer.

The agreement includes an exclusive contract for Powertrain Ltd, its engine and gearbox subsidiary, to supply all power unit requirements for Caterham Cars. Additionally, Caterham will also be able to access MG Rover's powertrain technology and benefits related to the investment in K-series engines.

Commenting on the award of this contract, Gordon Poynter, commercial director, Powertrain Ltd, said: "Caterham has been using K-series for over 10 years in extreme performance conditions. We are delighted that as a result of proven reliability, technology and cost, they have decided to appoint us as their exclusive supplier."

However, this ground-breaking partnership is much greater than the supply of powertrain and technology. The arrangement also allows Caterham to use MG Rover's XPOWER branding on its racing and high performance road cars. Speaking at a joint press conference, John Sanders, group marketing director, MG Rover Group said: "Our contract as the exclusive powertrain supplier to Caterham opens up the potential for a much deeper relationship. Fundamentally, we are both in the racing business and our products share the same engines. We can therefore both exploit the strength of the XPOWER brand to our mutual benefit. This is going to be a true partnership and we will work hard on initiatives that benefit us both."

This is what - Pistonheads say about it:

New partnership announced by MG X Power and Caterham

In Longbridge today, MG X Power and Caterham Cars announced a new business and marketing partnership that will see a much closer alliance between the two companies.Powertrain Ltd - the engine and gearbox subsidiary of MG Rover Group - will supply all engines for the Caterham range. Caterham will also be granted exclusive access to the research and development groups which should breed some exciting products in the years to come.

On a commercial level Caterham will also be carrying X Power branding on their cars and the two companies will share marketing efforts at motorsport and motoring events. Caterham are also intending to simplify their product range with just four basic models - the Classic, the Roadshport, the SV and the Superlight. Engines will be available in 140bhp, 160bhp, 200bhp and 230bhp forms.

New for 2002 will be the Superlight R300 with 300bhp per tonne. R400 and R500 models will also be available with 200bhp and 230bhp extracted from the 1.8 litre K series. The alliance will no doubt serve both parties well with Caterham benefiting from the greater marketing clout of MG Rover, whilst MG will further polish its image as a sporty, exciting brand attracting a younger audience than in previous years. Sound sense from two all British companies.

MG ROVER AND CHINA BRILLIANCE CREATE GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE ALLIANCE

MG Rover Group Limited (MG Rover) and China Brilliance Industrial Holdings (CBIH) have entered into a long-term strategic Alliance and co-operation agreement to finance, develop, manufacture and market world-class automobiles for the mutual benefit of both partners.

The alliance provides the potential for MG Rover derived cars to be manufactured in China, including those that will be jointly developed. This will include the new medium-sized car, for which the styling direction was previewed at the Geneva Motor Show. Plans have also been put into place for the joint development of a new small car and consideration will be given to the development of additional new models. Equally the opportunity also exists for MG Rover to manufacture and market CBIH derived vehicles.

The companies will co-operate on the supply and manufacture of engines and development of a new range of engines.

MG Rover will provide considerable technical support and assistance in order to establish the necessary manufacturing processes and systems in China. This will extend to the establishment of a joint Research and Development centre in China.

The alliance will seek significant cost benefit from larger manufacturing volumes, going forward. A joint component sourcing strategy committee will be established in order to maximise the economic benefit of the companies' combined purchasing.

The alliance will enable both partners to grow more quickly, than would otherwise be possible because they will benefit from each other's strengths. It has been structured in a way that MG Rover and CBIH both benefit financially from combined alliance sales.

Kevin Howe, MG Rover, Chief Executive said: "This is a wide-ranging global alliance that spans the full breadth of both company's activities, and presents many opportunities. I am delighted that we have so much in common. Brilliance has achieved quite outstanding results in a very short space of time and demonstrates world class standards in everything it does. It is clearly the leading automotive manufacturer, in the world's fastest growing car market.

"China will be one of the most important markets for the alliance. It is the world's fastest growing market for cars. The alliance can move quickly into a position where it can fully exploit this market's potential."

Dr. Brian X. Sun, Chief Executive, CBIH said: "From the beginning it was very clear Brilliance and MG Rover have a similar philosophy and operating style. We are both ambitious, clear in our vision and quick with decision-making.

"Equally important is the fact that MG Rover and CBIH do not have products that compete directly, which means we can take the full benefit from our alliance, without our plans conflicting in any way.

"Benefit will be derived from large economies of scale, which will spread development costs for new products over bigger volumes, and increase purchasing power for components, which will in turn make our products more competitive.
Together we will be a force to be respected in the automotive industry."

The alliance creates the potential for much greater global reach and scale. Market territories have been assigned to each partner. Vehicles can be manufactured and sold exclusively by CBIH in China, and the majority of Asia and Africa. MG Rover will have exclusivity in all other markets, however consideration will be given to combining efforts in the USA.

A new joint venture company will be created. Ownership of the company will be shared 50/50 between MG Rover and CBIH. Three directors from MG Rover and CBIH will form the board. They will oversee the collaboration and manage alliance objectives. There will be no exchange of equity between MG Rover and CBIH, however both parties will invest substantial resources into ensuring the success of the alliance.

Discussions between MG Rover and CBIH began in the second half of 2001. In December a statement was issued outlining the scope of the proposed Alliance. Today, both MG Rover and China Brilliance are very pleased to announce that agreement has been reached.
 

NOTES:

About China Brilliance Industrial Holdings.
The Chairman of China Brilliance Industrial Holdings, Dr. Yang Rong, heads a group that comprises of eight Chinese companies, with listings in New York, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The principle business of the group is vehicle, engine and component manufacturing and sales. It has an annual turnover in the region of $2.8 billion and significant global reach within the automotive industry, co operating with many of the world's most significant players including Toyota, General Motors, BMW, London Taxi International, Mitsubishi and Renault.

The group employs 40,000 people, in seven fully integrated vehicle manufacturing facilities, three self-contained engine plants and in component manufacturing, in China.

Annual production for 2002 will approach 150,000 units. The group's products include minibuses, sedans, SUV's and pick-ups, light trucks and the legendary London black cab.

The group has some notable firsts. Brilliance China Automotive Holdings was the first ever Chinese company to be listed in an overseas stock exchange. Jinbei Passenger Vehicle Manufacture Co Ltd, is China's largest minibus producer.

The group's three engine manufacturing companies comprise China's largest producer of engines for light-duty vehicles.

Although the focus of the business has been on minibus production and sales, based on a version of the Toyota Hiace, it is intent on expanding into the growing sedan segment in China. The company will launch its Zhonghua sedan in the second half of 2002. It is the first vehicle to be designed and developed entirely by a Chinese automotive company. The group is also developing an MPV.

The group now employs more 3000 engineers.

It is also developing a family of advanced engines with FEV, in Germany. They will be manufactured in China, in brand new state of the art facilities, in volumes approaching 500,000 units for the group's vehicles and sale to other manufacturers.

The group's total investment to date, in vehicle and engine design and manufacturing exceeds $2 billion.

About MG Rover
The structure of MG Rover, an independent, medium-sized British company, reflects a corporate focus on the development of a fully integrated automotive business. Its aim is to create great cars, from great brands.

The company was formed following the purchase of the Rover Group from BMW in May 2000. The total group has an annual turnover in the region of £2 billion and employs 6500 highly skilled and dedicated people.

The largest business within MG Rover is MG Rover Group, which designs, develops and manufactures cars at its Longbridge, Birmingham site in the UK. Its products are sold world-wide in 70 markets, with approximately 50 per cent of sales in export territories.

In Powertrain Ltd, MG Rover Holdings has a business that manufactures engines and gearboxes, from the same Longbridge site.  MG Rover Parts Ltd will provide a world-wide after sales supply operation to the MG Rover dealer organisation.

MG Rover Holdings also includes MG Sport and Racing Ltd, MG Rover Property Ltd and MG Heritage Ltd.

ROVER 'TCV' STARS ON MG ROVER'S GENEVA STAND

Giving the first public indication of Rover's future product design thinking, the Rover TCV (Tourer Concept Vehicle) forms the centrepiece of the company's stand at the 2002 Geneva Show.

TCV is shown as an external full size model, combined with a dynamic virtual-reality demonstration of the ingenious interior package capabilities. It has been created to show the company's styling and design vision for its new vehicles. Although this concept is innovative and free-thinking, it has been designed for genuine production feasibility.

Recent developments in world car markets reflect a growth in new categories of car, such as MPVs, van-based estate cars and various 'cross-over' hybrid vehicles. Now, the Rover TCV demonstrates a new way of combining luxury, style and driving enjoyment with exceptional practicality and adaptability.

As a starting point, the TCV fulfils the normal Tourer role - a stylish modern 'lifestyle' estate car with a roomy five-passenger cabin. Key features include:
 

• A highly adaptable seating plan. The rear three seat squabs all fold individually to lie flush with the normal rear load floor, and the front passenger seat squab also folds to this plane.
  
  This allows several combinations of passengers and loads, and any folded seats can also be used in 'table-top' mode for business or leisure purposes. Very long items of up to 3.1 metres can be accommodated. The centre rear seat squab can be replaced with various 'slot-in' modules, including a child seat, an entertainment centre, a fridge/food warmer and a business desktop unit.

• An ingenious dual configuration for the rear loadspace area. In addition to a special hatch door hinged well forward to give excellent access to the loadspace, the lower bumper section also hinges open, revealing a large secure box-shaped underfloor stowage compartment for a host of associated items. Current and future developments in puncture management (Instant Mobility Systems and run-flat tyres) will render spare wheels finally redundant.
  
  For even greater versatility, the main load floor is designed so that it can be removed from the normal position and stowed on the floor of the lower compartment, thus creating an exceptionally deep cargo space with full-depth access from the rear. One package objective was to be able to stow a normal front-loading washing machine in the upright position. Rover's rationale for this was not to create a dedicated washing machine 'delivery van', but to provide a universally recognisable demonstration of the remarkable capability of the package.
  
  To help with the insertion and removal of such bulky and heavy loads the lower drop-down bumper has been engineered to form a flush loading platform when open. Having such a 'basement-level' load floor reduces loading effort and gives the lowest possible centre of gravity for the installed load, to minimise its effect on vehicle handling.
   

• TCV has also been designed with extra ground clearance, appropriate wheels and tyres, robust finishes for the lower body and wheel arches, and can accommodate advanced traction control technology. Adding further to the outdoor lifestyle benefits of TCV, are the special longitudinal 'Alpine Light' windows set into the roof panel.

Summing up the TCV project, Rob Oldaker, MG Rover Product Development Director, said: "This concept car gives a strong indication of the way that our Design
team, headed by Peter Stevens, is developing a bold new personality for Rover. The TCV shows the kind of all-round versatility and luxury that we believe a Rover should offer."

The TCV is an integral element of the programme, which will spawn a new generation of MG and Rover products, the first of which will go on sale in 2004.

EXTENSION OF ROVER 75 RANGE  

Rover has unveiled today (5 March), at the Geneva Motor Show, a new long-wheelbase model - developed from the successful British-built Rover 75 Saloon, in conjunction with established vehicle specialist coachbuilders S. MacNeillie & Son Ltd. The Vanden Plas is a supremely stylish limousine-style vehicle, which delivers the ultimate in comfort for an incredibly competitive price.

The Vanden Plas has a 200mm wheelbase extension over the acclaimed Rover 75 Saloon and utilises the considerable strength inherent in the production-saloon body's torsional-rigidity of 24,000Nm per degree. Available exclusively in high-specification Connoisseur trim, the longer-wheelbase Rover provides increased rear compartment legroom, extra interior lighting and provision for entertainment and IT systems.

Metallic paint is a standard feature and there is the opportunity to further extend, beyond its standard leather upholstery, the choice of interior trim or accessory items, for a fully individual product specification. Whatever specification is selected refinement and good ride quality come as standard in this executive car.

The Vanden Plas is powered by a quad-cam 24-valve, 2.5-litre light-aluminium V6 engine producing 177Ps (130kW) at 6500rpm. The 240Nm of torque produced at 4000rpm, matches the 5-speed JATCO automatic gearbox, which combines to produce smooth acceleration and good operating economy.

The Vanden Plas Connoisseur Auto model, only available in right-hand-drive form at launch, is priced in the UK at £27,995.

Market response to the product reveal in Geneva will provide valuable feedback for the potential extent of left-hand-drive business and market opportunities. Customers can make enquiries through the MG Rover dealer network or by contacting MacNeillies direct, on +44(0)1922 725560.

Martin Clive, Specialist Vehicle Sales Manager, for S. MacNeillie & Son Ltd said: "We've been working very closely with MG Rover to develop the Vanden Plas, to draw on all the Rover 75's product strengths, without compromising the elegant exterior lines. I'm absolutely sure the Vanden Plas will draw great interest from key business and celebrity groups, and we are happy to tailor the Rover to their specific desires. Furthermore the Vanden Plas offers the opportunity to incorporate occupant protection for those VIP clients who may require it."

Commenting from the Geneva Motor Show, John Sanders, MG Rover's Group Marketing Director, said: "The Vanden Plas is an elegant extension to the Rover 75 range and is one of a number of initiatives that will extend the Rover product portfolio into new levels of individual customer choice and satisfaction."

Note: The 'regular' Rover 75 Saloon 2.5-litre Connoisseur is priced in the UK at £21,920. Optional 5-speed transmission is available for £1,200 and £450 for metallic paint - a total of £23,570.

MONOGRAM PROGRAMME OFFERS PERSONALISATION FOR MG AND ROVER CUSTOMERS

Monogram is a programme that is now being offered to customers of new MG and Rover cars to meet their desire to reflect their individuality. It consists of a range of paint finish and trim combinations as well as technology features.

Twenty exclusive new colours are available to all new MG and Rover customers, as set out in an attached listing. They include the latest Chromactive and Chromescent paint finishes that give a dramatic colour shift even in low light conditions.

Interiors can be trimmed in a wide selection of quality materials that include 'Personal Line' leather trim, Oxford Leather and Alcantara, in a spectrum of colours to complement the exterior bodywork.

The Monogram initiative also extends to additional factory fitted options. Hi-line Navigation systems, roof mounted DVD players, and more alloy wheel options are just a few of the options available for customers to individualise their cars.
The first phase of Monogram is now being launched in the UK with plans to extend the programme to export markets in the coming months.

John Sanders, MG Rover's Group Marketing director, said: "The Monogram programme provides an exclusive opportunity for MG and Rover customers to realise their personality through automotive style."

TYPES OF PAINT FINISHES

Monogram Chromactive

Chromactive paints are the most powerful colours in the 20 colours offered within the choice of Monogram colours. They are neither metallic nor pearlescent, yet they give a dramatic colour shift even in low light and have high levels of opacity and durability.  

The paint formulation uses unique multi-layered ChromaFlair^® pigment flakes which exhibit a wide range of hues depending on the viewing angle and the angle of light incidence.  Five ultra-thin layers of material are applied to a carrier film, and it is the precise control of these colourless layers that produces the effect of changing colours through the physics of light interference.  The composition of these layers produces colour effects similar to those found in nature, such as soap bubbles, butterfly wings and peacock feathers.  

Aluminium, magnesium fluoride and chromium are among the materials used in the pigment flakes, which are micron sized, or about one fiftieth the thickness of a human hair.  Their manufacturing process is controlled to a tolerance of a few atoms thickness.  Each flake is highly reflective and extremely smooth, giving the paint high colour saturation and brightness.

Monogram offers two Chromactive colours - Spectre and Typhoon.

Monogram Chromescent

Chromescent colours also have a striking appearance, but with a less extreme colour movement than the Chromactives.  A unique groundcoat of coloured undercoat between the primer and the final colour coat gives great depth to the colour and an impression of different colour layers.  Three Chromescent colours have been selected for Monogram - Mirage, Gulf Stream and Glacier.

Monogram Super Metallics and Micas

A range of exclusive metallic paints that use silver and coloured aluminium flakes to provide a sparkly effect, with the size of the flake and its particular coating varying from colour to colour to give the desired effect.

Micatallics and pearlescents are based on mica pigments in combination with a small amount of aluminium flake.  These are usually finer and their particular chemical structure provides more flexibility in achieving a particular look.

Some micas have more colour-range ‘travel’ than others owing to the structure of the pigment, so it is possible to use the term pearlescent to describe a particularly dramatic mica.  The Monogram mica – Black Olive – is pearlescent and demonstrates this emphatic colour movement.

ChromaFlair® is a registered trademark of Flex Products, Inc.

COLOUR AND DESCRIPTION

Monogram Chromactive 

Spectre - a lighter alternative to Typhoon with lilac, blue and grey travel

Typhoon - a dramatic blue with green/purple travel – used on MG ZT XPower

Monogram Chromescent

Glacier - practically a pearlescent white with silver facets

Mirage - pearlescent silver with gold layers and a cool pale blue aspect

Gulf Stream - ‘Magic Green’, that flips from pearlescent olive to grey-blue

Monogram Super Metallics

Celestial sm - a bright light blue

Chatsworth sm - an elegant ‘antique’ bronze-green

Lagoon sm - a bold turquoise

Nocturne sm - a greyed off mid-dark blue

Sunspot sm - a warm pearlescent yellow with deep ochre and light citrus effects

Monogram Micatallics

Jubilee mi - a bronze gold

Orange Grove mi - an intense orange

Saffron mi - a shimmering coppery-gold

Bacchus mi - a rich iridescent wine red

Biomorphic mi - a strong mid green

Chagall mi - a strong mid blue

Garnet mi - a rich glowing red

Nightshade mi - a lustrous black with blue highlights

Spice mi - a rich deep brown

Monogram Super Pearlescents

Black Olive sp - a luxuriant dark green with movement to black

Key: sm = super metallic, mi = micatallic, sp = super pearlescent

Monogram colours are only available as a special order, and command an extra price charge to cover the special facilities and materials required, set according to the technology of the paint constitution.  

MORE COLOUR AND TRIM CHOICES

There is now a far greater choice of interiors on Rover and MG models.

Personal Line leather trim, as currently offered on Rover 45 and 75, is being made available on the Rover 25.  

A wood or coloured fascia is now available to MG ZT/ZT-T customers.  The choices are Royal Blue, Copperleaf Red, Trophy Yellow, British Racing Green or Burr Walnut.

On MG TF, ZT and ZT-T, Alcantara seats are offered in a range of complementary colours. Gunsmoke will continue to be offered alongside four new colourways: Blue, Red, Green and Black.

MORE OPTIONS

MG Rover is extending the range of factory fitted options to support the market trend towards greater personalisation.

A top-specification DVD player with roof mounted screen installation has been developed for Rover 75 or MG ZT customers.  For Rover 25 and 45, a portable DVD player will soon be available.

A detachable towbar is to be made available across all models except MG TF.  This will include the electrics pack.

On MG TF, the windstop, a popular accessory, can now be specified as a factory option.

GENEVA MONOGRAM SHOW CAR

Monogram provides MG Rover customers with the ability to demonstrate their individuality in the way they choose the specification of their cars.  

An example of one such approach is displayed, at the Geneva Motor Show, on a Rover 75 Tourer 2.5 Connoisseur SE.  This car is painted in Mirage, one of 20 exclusive Monogram colours.  Mirage is a pearlescent Silver with pink to cool pale blue travel, and the interior is trimmed in Neptune Blue leather from the ‘Personal Line’ menu.  

Beyond paint and trim colours, the Monogram initiative extends to a greater range of options.  The Rover 75 Tourer displayed at Geneva has been specified with a Hi-line Navigation system, a load through hatch facility, power folding door mirrors, 17" Serpent alloy wheels, and xenon headlamps, all from the standard options list.  In addition it has two new factory options, a roof mounted DVD player, and a towing package, to complete this particular customer’s individual choice preference.

GENEVA MG SALOONS

The three MG saloons on show at Geneva demonstrate the extension of colour and trim choices on the MG range.

The ZR160 is finished in Le Mans Green with a matching green interior.  In addition to Monaco trim with green leather inserts, there are green fascia and console inserts.  The ZT190+ Saloon has red Alcantara seats and Copperleaf Red fascia and console inserts to complement the Anthracite exterior.  They are both cars featuring specification now available to MG customers.

The ZS 180 Saloon has a unique exterior and interior execution.  The car is painted in XPower Grey, a colour now available on MG saloons after introduction on the MG TF.  Inside the sports seats are trimmed in Admiralty Blue leather, and the car features Royal Blue fascia inserts and matching blue carpets and seat belts.

GENEVA DISPLAY SPECIFICATIONS

ZR 160 3-door Hatchback (UK specification)

                        Le Mans Green

                        Monaco trim with green leather inserts

                        Green fascia and console inserts

                        17"  "straights" alloys

                        Passenger airbag

                        Kenwood MP3 system

                        Luxury floor mats

ZS 180 4-door Saloon (UK specification)

                        XPower Grey

                        Admiralty Blue leather sports seats

                        Blue carpets and seat belts

                        Blue fascia and console inserts

                        Sunroof

                        6 disc CD autochanger

                        Electric rear windows

                        Luxury floor mats

ZT 190+ 4-door Saloon (UK specification)

                        Anthracite

                        Red Alcantara seats

                        Copperleaf fascia and console inserts

                        Xenon pack

                        Sunroof

                        Hi-line navigation

                        Volumetric alarm

                        Harman Kardon sound system

                        Headlamp power wash

                        Driver intelligence pack

                        Side head impact protection

                        Luxury floor mats 

Rover 75 Tourer 2.5 Connoisseur SE Hi-Line (UK specification)

Mirage (Monogram Chromactive)

Neptune Blue Leather

Hi-Line Navigation

17" Serpent Alloys

Xenon Pack

Load Through Hatch Facility

Power Folding Mirrors

Roof Mounted DVD Player

Towing Pack

FREE INSURANCE DEAL

Free insurance on MG ZR and ZS 120 and Rover 25 1.6iXL.

ROVER AND TOP FASHION DESIGNER, MATTHEW WILLIAMSON, CREATE A NEW BRITISH SUPERMODEL

Great British car brand, Rover, has forged a unique partnership with top British fashion designer Matthew Williamson, internationally heralded as one of the finest fashion designers working from the United Kingdom.  His distinctly whimsical and ultimately feminine creations have won over the hearts of not only the fashion pundits, but also celebrities such as Madonna, Elizabeth Hurley, Kate Moss, Jade Jagger and Helena Christensen.

It should therefore be no surprise that this leader of fashion performance has jumped into the 'front seat' with another great British performer - the Rover car brand.  Matthew has agreed a partnership with Rover that will see him act as creative consultant to the Rover car portfolio.

To launch this new partnership Matthew has designed a stylish and flamboyant one-off Rover 25, unveiled by supermodel Erin O'Connor, at the culmination of London Fashion Week.  In Matthew's inimitable style this racy little number has been painted in a pearlescent gold that flips to pink. 

This subtle colour scheme has been boldly mirrored throughout the interior of the car in a variety of contrasting applications. The door casing inserts, head lining and interior posts have been dressed in gold Indian silk, incorporating a detailed screen-printed design.  The moulded fascia sections of the cubby box and instrument surround have been moulded in translucent plastic and backlit in pink for night illumination. 

A specially commissioned pink leather by Connolly covers the steering wheel and gear selector gaiter.  Seat belt buckles are burgundy in colour, with the heating and ventilation controls surround in gold chromate paint.

The grille, rub strips and external badges are treated in pink chromate paint - all to great effect.  The beautiful exterior body colour is complemented by 17" Serpent alloy wheels. The car has been specified with a 1.6-litre K Series engine and six-speed Stepspeed transmission.

Rover's sponsorship of the British Fashion Awards, now in its third year, has been a key strand of the brand's marketing activities, linking the developing style trends of both catwalks and highways.  The new MG Rover Monogram programme is now being offered to customers of new MG and Rover cars to meet their desire to reflect their individuality.  It consists of a range of paint finish and trim combinations as well as technology features.

Matthew Williamson, commenting on his Rover 25 Art Car Concept, said: "I am absolutely delighted to be working with Rover on the styling of their range of cars.  Fashion and cars have always been closely associated.  Let's face it - cars are the ultimate fashion accessory!"

John Sanders, MG Rover Group Marketing Director, said: "The combined association of Rover and leading British design talent provides an exciting prospect for our Rover customers.  The Monogram programme brings customers the ability to express their individuality through their own car."

Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson graduated from Central St. Martins in 1994.  The company was formed in September 1996 by Matthew Williamson and business partner, Joseph Velosa.  In September 1997, Matthew Williamson was included on the London Fashion Week catwalk schedule for the first time.  The collection, entitled 'Electric Angels', consisted of bias cut dresses and separates in shots of fuchsia, tangerine and magenta, off-set with sharp black tailoring and super soft cashmere knits.  Eleven outfits were presented on models such as Kate Moss, Jade Jagger and Helena Christensen.

The press reaction was instant, with front-page coverage in The Times and the Evening Standard newspapers.  The collection was sold to 10 of the world's finest designer stores and secured major fashion editorial in publications such as French and American Vogue, Australian Harper's Bazaar and virtually all British fashion titles.  Two further collections entitled, 'Future Heirloom' and 'Disco Zen' followed and helped to build Matthew Williamson into one of the most exciting designer talents to watch in London.

The A/W 99 collection, 'Glomad', was presented to an audience of 700 in February 1999 and sealed Matthew Williamson's emerging reputation as one of the top fashion designer companies in London.  The show was sponsored by 'MOTOROLA' and featured the exclusive appearance in London of Amber Valletta and Naomi Campbell.  The front row guests included Anna Wintour, Manolo Blahnik and Mario Testino, along with celebrities such as Sadie Frost, Jude Law and Elizabeth Hurley.

Following 'Glomad' were two further collections, 'Exotikarma' and 'Ignight', which pushed the development of the Matthew Williamson signature look of colourful, feminine and subtly sexy women's wear, and saw an increase in retail outlets to a presence on every continent. S/S 2000, was entitled Candy Girls.  The collection sold to over 80 stores worldwide and has secured major editorial coverage in titles such as US Vogue, Elle and Harper's Bazaar.  Regular celebrity clients now include Nicole Kidman, Madonna and Julia Roberts. 

'Wonderland', the collection for A/W 2001 was shown in February 2001 at the Saatchi Gallery in London.  Immediate news response was very positive and the collection proved popular with celebrities such as Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson, who both wore Matthew Williamson to the BAFTAs.  Front row celebrities at the show included Minnie Driver, Cat Deeley, Helena Christensen and Jerry Hall.

The latest collection, S/S 2002, is called 'Nu-Topia'.  With this, Matthew launched his exciting new menswear, babywear and homewear ranges.  The collection received fantastic press the following days and the collection has sold well internationally.

CONCEPT INDICATES FUTURE ROVER DESIGN DIRECTION
GENEVA REVEAL FOR NEW BRITISH MEDIUM CAR INSPIRATIONS

Rover designers and engineers have created an exploratory Concept Car for display at the prestigious Geneva Show in March.

Intended as an indication of future design themes for Rover, the Concept Car will demonstrate innovative ways of blending luxury with practicality to meet the needs of Rover customers in the 21st Century.

Commenting on the concept car, MG Rover's Product Development Director, Rob Oldaker said: "While our engineers and designers have been working hard on our new medium car programme, they have developed a wealth of exciting new ideas.  We decided to showcase a selection of these inspirations and show the world's car buyers the kind of style and innovation that they can look forward to in future Rover products."

Note for Editors: The Concept Car will be revealed on the MG Rover Group stand (4231, Hall 4) at the Geneva Motor Show, at 09.15 on Tuesday 5 March.
 

PRINCESS ROYAL OPENS THE VISITOR CENTRE

Royal opening of visitor centre marks £8 million redevelopment of Longbridge into MG Rover headquarters.

HRH The Princess Royal, 30 January, officially opened the newly refurbished visitor's centre and showroom at MG Rover Group. The Royal visit celebrates the completion of an £8 million redevelopment of the Longbridge manufacturing operations into the headquarters of MG Rover. The building has had many uses since it was built in 1962. It has been a mini tractor showroom, a quality operations centre, a commercial vehicle showroom and a storage area. The multi-million pound investment at Longbridge has seen the building restored to its former glory.

John Towers, Chairman of MG Rover Group, hosted the visit. He said: "It is always an honour to have a member of the Royal family take the time to visit our company. We have made many significant achievements since May 2000, and the transformation of this site from what was a factory site to an international headquarters is something we are extremely proud of. His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh was very impressed with the company when he visited last year - we are delighted that the Princess Royal agreed to officially open this important building."
 
Facts about the Showroom and Visitor's Centre:

• The Showroom and Visitor's Centre was commissioned in the 1960s by Tony Ball, Commercial (Vans) Sales Director and father to singer Michael Ball, as a showroom for the sale of commercial vehicles.

• The building will be used as a reception for visitors and a showroom for the full MG Rover product range. As the centre is further developed it will incorporate an employee sales office and a shop for our increasingly broad range of merchandising. The centre is the perfect venue for the handover of some of the company's exciting and exclusive Ultimate products.

Facts about the Quality and Analysis Centre:

• The Quality and Analysis Centre, which also incorporates a test track is a new facility that has been built at a cost of £1.4 million. Quality audits and inspections are carried out using state-of-the-art equipment from this purpose built facility.

• There are three main functions within the Quality Centre; CQA (Customer Quality Audit), Quality Response and Metrology.

• The CQA department is MG Rover's primary measure of build quality; finished vehicles are selected at random and then subjected to a thorough inspection which takes approximately 1.5 days to complete. The inspection covers both functional and cosmetic aspects of the vehicle and includes a 20-mile road assessment.

• The Quality Response Team is responsible for conducting 'Quality Validation Events' and 'Route Cause Analysis' in support of new and current model programmes. Equipment used in this process includes a 150 tonne seismic 'block shaker rig' that can be programmed to re-produce any road surface, an electrical audit including test book/diagnostic interface and a multi surface assessment track.

• The Metrology department carries out a range of measurement, measurement planning and calibration services. The department provides a support service to production, engineering and new model project teams utilising various 'co-ordinate measurement machines', measurement data support activities, and a state of the art colour measurement facility.

Facts about £8 million Site Investment:

• Many areas of the site have benefited from investment and all buildings have been renovated sympathetically. The speed of communication has been improved by bringing all MG Rover Group personnel together on one site, Longbridge.

• Major building projects included:

  • Multi-storey car park demolition - the multi-storey car park was an eyesore to the local community; it has been demolished to make way for an outbound logistics car dispatch area.

  • Landscaping - To soften the look of the site, ornamental lighting, flags and fencing have been erected and mature trees have been planted to instantly transform the site.

  • Quality & Analysis Centre, and Test Track - Significant investment that shows MG Rover Group's commitment to quality, includes state-of-the-art technology and an on-site test track.

  • Sales & Marketing Centre - All sales and marketing staff previously sited at Bickenhill and other areas of Longbridge have been brought together under one roof in this new facility.

  • Product Development Centre - Our product development and engineering team have been brought together in this building adjacent to International Headquarters. The close proximity of all these buildings speeds up decision making.