Click on the above for more pictures!

MG Rover Group's strategy to open up niche markets with new and excitingproducts sees the company enter the commercial vehicles sector for the first time.  The development of car derived vans from the small car platform, brings the total number of vehicles in production at its single Longbridge factory to eleven.

The MG Express, created from the hugely successful MG ZR hot-hatch, provides a new benchmark in the car derived van (CDV) sector, combining class-leading performance with desirability and practicality.  The three-model line-up -105 petrol, 101Ps turbo diesel and range topping 160 - include high security protection.  Prices start at £8,264 (excl. VAT).

The Rover CDV is derived from the company's best selling Rover 25.  It brings style, presence and practicality together for the first time in the sector.  Available with a 84Ps 1.4-litre petrol and 101Ps 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, the Rover CDV, priced from £7,072 (excl. VAT), provides outstanding value for money.  High specification features include the intelligent TrafficMaster traffic alert system, ideal for congestion avoidance.  Rover CDV is the only product to feature this equipment as standard.

Both vehicles feature excellent levels of specification, an interior that includes a fully flat rear lined loadspace, partial steel bulkhead (with the option of a full height loadspace grille) and secure lashing points.  The loadspace is best in class and panel sides are large enough to carry a business' identity.  Approved LPG conversions are available on the 1.4-litre
petrol models.

Guy Pigounakis, UK Commercial Director, MG Rover Group, stated: "The announcement of the Rover CDV and MG Express answers the demands of individuals and small business users who desire versatile products that are economic in operation and have distinctive style.  The MG Express and Rover CDV are class-leading delivery vehicles."

Guy added: "I'm sure a great number of small businesses are going to get very excited about these new car derived vans, which are yet another example of MG Rover Group's ability to bring innovative products to the market and introduce new desirability into an established market sector."

Note: A double first for both MG and Rover is the fact that neither has produced a car derived van before.  Indeed the only van produced was MG founder Cecil Kimber's one-off MG M-Type Midget 'High Speed Service Van' of 1931 - never intended for production.

NB: all are insurance group 5E/T1.