MG Rover Group has gained another achievement, highlighted by an NVQ II in manufacturing presented to Gary Evans, a seat production operator at Longbridge. The company holds the distinction for having achieved 1000 NVQs at level II in Performing Manufacturing Operations. This is an achievement of national significance since it has not been equalled by any other company.

Gary has been with the company for 14 years, the past nine of which have been devoted to seat build. He is especially pleased that by providing this qualification the company has recognised the contribution and skill of its workforce in the field of car production.

Operations Director, Chris Bowen, said: "Measuring achievement is very important, so I’m pleased for Gary, but more importantly this is commendable news for MG Rover Group. Being the first company in the country to achieve this high level of manufacturing qualification is a great achievement. It also recognises the success in the improvement in quality of our processes. By integrating a carefully thought-out training programme with our manufacturing system, we have achieved clear and measurable improvements, which contributes to an even better quality of product for our customers."

The NVQ programme complies with the Government’s National Training and Skills Targets, which plans to ensure Britain has a place on the world map with recognised skilled individuals.

As an independent company MG Rover Group is determined to develop with its workforce to continue the excellence in car production. The qualification was introduced to underpin the company’s new production system, MGRPS. This is a new manufacturing process designed to drive efficiency.

Training programmes guarantee a threshold performance from employees and move upward to excellence. This allows the highly technical processes in manufacturing to be properly understood and ensure competence.

The Performing Manufacturing Operations programme can be transferred to the manufacture of any product and so it was important that MG Rover Group’s Training and Development Staff worked together with the company’s manufacturing managers and assessors from Dudley College in order to forge a working partnership for success.

The group worked in a precise and scientific way, first assessing the essential skills that are used in the manufacturing process. The whole programme was contextualised for MG Rover Group’s requirements and the standards of the NVQs were used to ensure a progressive level of performance.

As time progressed it became clear that the programme had as much psychological affect as it did technical. Individuals have become more confident in their job roles as they’ve realised what could be achieved, having proved they are fully competent in a whole range of skills.

Rod Ramsay, Sales Operations Director, said: "The arrival of CityRover marks our return to selling cars in the ‘city sector’. The combination of a powerful small car, attractive modern style and good interior proportions ensures it will have wide appeal."

The four-model range structure begins with the CityRover Solo, a well-equipped entry-level car. There are two parallel mid-price choices, the CityRover Sprite (with the emphasis on a sporting style) which includes alloy wheels, leather sports style steering wheel, front fog lamps, body coloured side sill extensions and rear spoiler and the CityRover Select (with its emphasis on luxury) utilising air conditioning with front and rear electric windows as standard. Specification features are combined to form a top of the range model, the CityRover Style, with the option of a full leather trim.

A new range of accessories has been designed to extend further the ‘tough-urban’ appearance of the new Streetwise, by Rover. They are available to order from MG Rover dealer showrooms.

The extensive choice includes larger 17" five-spoke alloy wheels, front nudge bars for extra body protection, side runners and a rear spoiler trim, colour coded to the body paintwork. Front and rear lamp guards, front fog lights, and a rear bumper guard are also available.

UK prices, excluding fitting, are listed below:

*17" five-spoke alloy wheels and fitting kit £603.43
*Front nudge bars £174.57
*Side runners £202.04
*Rear spoiler trim £83.93
*Front lamp guards £18.41
*Rear lamp guards £31.79
*Front fog lights £97.56
*Rear bumper guard £83.19

Accessories on Streetwise and other Rover models can be ordered through the local MG Rover dealership.

Guy Pigounakis, UK Commercial Director, MG Rover Group, said: "The chance to win a new Streetwise every day by simply visiting an MG Rover dealership is a fantastic opportunity and the odds of winning are better than winning the National Lottery!"

Kevin Howe, Group Chief Executive of Phoenix Venture Holdings, commented:

"Despite facing several challenges in 2002 we took another step forward, improved the Group’s financial performance and achieved a result in line with forecast. The losses within MG Rover, whilst reduced, continued. However, several of the Group’s businesses generated much needed profit and growth.

"Going forward we will remain focused on continuing to reverse the loss situation within MG Rover and growing and developing our other businesses."

The Rover 75 has received top honours in the latest Used Car Buyer magazine's 'Used Car of the Year Awards' for 2004.  The Rover 75 has been voted the 'Used Car of the Year 2004', by the magazine's panel of 15 motoring journalists and industry experts.

The Rover 75 also won 'Best Used Family Car' in the annual awards.  It was marked highest for fitness-for-purpose, value for money, running costs, reliability, residual value and image.  Last year's winner was the BMW 5-Series.  Now in its fifth year, the awards competition was fiercer than ever, and the Rover 75 beat each of the individual category winners to take the overall title.

Guy Pigounakis, UK Commercial Director, MG Rover Group, commented: "The inherent qualities of comfort, style and refinement is a tangible delight factor, recognised by anyone who has ever driven the Rover 75.  It is a supremely capable car, particularly for the long-distance journey and the 'Used Car of the Year 2004' award serves to underline the appeal for this high-quality British car.  Continuing appreciation, desire and demand for the Rover 75 means a better residual value for those lucky enough to drive one."

Stephen Fry’s adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s novel Vile Bodies is a period film shot with modern pace and cinematography. The film, a love story and satirical comedy, deals with fame, sexual scandal, greed, night clubbing and the frantic glamour of youth never seen before. Bright Young Things can be seen in cinemas across the UK from Friday October 3.

"I’m absolutely thrilled at winning the monetary value of my car back," said Mr James, adding "I’ve had six Rovers and have been very happy with them all, so to win my money back, is a complete bonus!" David Wood, managing director of Luffield Cars, added: "We’re delighted that our valued customer, Mr James, has won the national prize."

For further information or to book a test drive contact Clarks Bromsgrove on 01527 5779630

Geoffrey Atkinson, BEN’s Chief Executive commented: "This is a brilliant initiative that XPART and Cat Logistics have put into place. BEN looks forward to receiving the revenue that it generates and being able to use the funds to help care for our
colleagues from the industry. We are extremely grateful to these two organisations for the commitment they have shown to BEN and the vital work it undertakes."

Neighbourhood Wardens will patrol the community of Northfield, South Birmingham, from today (September 9) in new Rover Commerce vans. Three Commerce vans, purchased by the City Council using Neighbourhood Renewal Funding, will provide a visible, semi-official presence on local streets and housing estates. They will be working at the grassroots with police and others to deter crime; they will tackle anti-social behaviour and create a greater feel of security and confidence among residents.

The three Rover Commerce vans are built by MG Rover Group at Longbridge, itself within the Northfield constituency and powered by the Cofton Hackett-made Powertrain Limited K Series 1.4-litre engines. All vans have been specified in Starlight Silver paintwork and liveried with a ‘Neighbourhood Wardens on Patrol’ message emblazoned along their flanks. The Commerce vans are the latest ‘53’ September registration plate identity and were prepared locally by MG Rover dealership Evans Halshaw.

Neighbourhood wardens are specially trained and normally wear uniforms, providing an easily recognised point of contact for residents – someone to report incidents to or to discuss community issues with. However, they’re not a replacement for the Police or Housing Staff – rather, they complement their work. Their emphasis is working with and for the community.

Northfield Neighbourhood wardens are there to reduce anti-social behaviour, minimise the fear of crime and provide a link with services for the community to prevent: vehicle crime and abandoned vehicles, street crime, anti-social behaviour, fly tipping, graffiti, vandalism and burglary.

Birmingham City Councillor Steve Bedser, said: "I am delighted to see that neighbourhood wardens will be proudly serving the community in Rover Commerce vans built locally by MG Rover Group at Longbridge. I’m sure they’re going to serve us well and they certainly look great for the purpose."

John Edwards, Sales and Marketing Director, MG Rover Group, said: "This is a great example of a community project and we’re obviously delighted, as the largest employer in the area, to have been involved. I’m sure this initiative will benefit the local community and I look forward to seeing the Longbridge built Rover Commerce vans ‘on patrol’, driving around Northfield."

The Football Association has taken delivery of a solus fleet of new Rover cars, from the 25, 45 and 75 ranges, which are being used by senior FA officials. 

Paul Barber, The FA's Director of Marketing and Communications, said: "We are delighted to be working with the MG Rover Group and look forward to a beneficial partnership that will drive our brands further."

Peter Milner, General Manager Fleet Sales, said: "It's great that The FA has selected Rover to join its team.  We're both England promoters and this continues our support of athletic performance at the pinnacle of British sport."

The deal also includes opportunities for MG Rover Group to entertain key business clients at forthcoming England matches.

Note: Rover is the Official Car sponsor for Team GB in their preparations for the Athens Olympics in 2004, supporter of UK Athletics, various golf, badminton and tennis championships, and car sponsorship with top flight premiership clubs, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City and football clubs.

The MG Laser Sailing Nationals are being hosted by the Scottish Sailing Institute in the picturesque setting of Largs, Ayrshire, sited on the west coast of Scotland, next week, the 18-22^th August. This year’s Nationals are crucial as they are the last main event before the Worlds event in Cadiz in September and the penultimate Nationals before the Olympics in 2004.

The MG sponsored competition is an essential path for qualification to represent their country in the largest world event. In excess of 200 boats have pre-entered and more are expected to contest the three different rigs - the Olympic Laser, Laser radial and Laser 4.7. The teams and sailors are coming from as far afield as Bahrain and New Zealand and this year is expected to attract a large Irish following due to their close proximity.

This year’s event sees the increasingly popular Laser 4.7's sharing the same venue for their National championships. Record numbers of 4.7's are expected, following the highly successful MG sponsored Laser coach programme.

Stanley, the world's leading tool manufacturer, has teamed up with MG Rover Group for its annual winter promotion, as Stanley continues to build on its
success in the UK hand tools market, this year.  Stanley will be taking delivery of new MG Express vans to promote its latest sales campaign, which
will see retailers win hundreds of DVDs, DVD players, games consoles and 28" wide-screen televisions.

The MG Express vans will be touring the country with Stanley representatives, promoting its new sales campaign 'Be a Star Performer with Stanley' and will visit over 10,000 independent retailers and their largest tool wholesalers throughout the UK.  Retailers will also have the chance to enter a draw to win a brand new MG Express van in their own livery.  The Stanley promotion runs until the end of December 2003.

Andy Burns, marketing director of Stanley UK, says: "MG Rover Group has proven to be the perfect partner for us - our brands have very similar supporting qualities and values.  As always, our expectations are high for this year's winter promotion but with the association with MG Rover Group, we are confident 2003 will be our best year yet."

Peter Milner, general manager fleet sales for MG Rover Group, said: "It's fitting that a leading supplier of quality tools should use our new van to promote their campaign and feature another as its star prize."

MG Rover Group are now selling pre-owned cars direct from the Longbridge site, under a new initiative titled 'MG Rover Direct', with the MG Rover Direct Sales team located at the Longbridge factory.

New cars displayed in the Visitors Centre are now joined by a display of 70 used cars. Behind the scenes around 400 cars are prepared and ready for sale, making this MG Rover's first used car supersite.

Over the weekend 16/17 August, special launch offers will be available to all purchasers of cars from MG Rover Direct. Potential customers can benefit from factory priced cars, but over the weekend can take the benefit of 2-years' 0% finance with zero deposit - a first for a used-car purchase.

In addition to the great finance offer there will be the opportunity to enter a free prize draw to win match tickets to any of the three local premiership clubs. Whilst viewing the wide range of nearly new & used MG Rover cars, customers will be provided with free refreshments.

By visiting MG Rover Direct at Longbridge this weekend, you will be supported by a host of other standard features:
* Over 400 nearly new & used MG & Rover models direct from the factory
* The largest choice of used MG and Rovers anywhere in the UK with the widest range of models, colours and specifications from the ex-company management scheme, demonstration, ex-finance, press & show cars.
* Part exchanges are welcome
* 12 months warranty or balance of manufacturer's warranty (whichever is greater)
* 12 months roadside assistance
* 30-day exchange plan
* Vehicle history and mileage check
* Tailored finance options
* One-to-one customer service

The complete range of used cars available through MG Rover Direct can be viewed at www.mg-rover-direct.com, or you can contact the sales team on 08701 121 999 or simply visit MG Rover Direct at Q Gate, the Visitors Centre, Lowhill Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2TB

A replica version of the car built to celebrate the five-millionth Rover is to go on sale.  The five-millionth, a Rover 75 2.5 Litre V6 Saloon, is painted in a new special Xirallic(r) Aubergine paint finish.  It is upholstered with Oyster leather, and aubergine Trim with a Connoisseur SE specification, that includes Hi-Line satellite navigation and many additional top-of-the-range items that combine to make this a special Rover car. The Xirallic(r) paint finish is one of the newest developments in paint technology. It has chroma crystal effect pigments.  These produce a very high lustre, a strong glitter effect and have distinct shimmer. 

The replica five-millionth Rover 75 Saloon will go on sale priced at £29,995, with a Sony DVD option at £2,499.  It represents a potential saving of £2,000 over a similarly specified Rover 75 car.  

MG Rover built the five-millionth Rover car on Thursday, July 10, 2003.  The off line ceremony was attended by the Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. He congratulated MG Rover staff on this motoring milestone.  The original five-millionth Rover car will be retained by the company, in preparation for Rover's centenary celebrations in 2004.

Every effort has been made to ensure the validity in the calculation of historic Rover production. The most authentic and accurate records available have been used, though in the absence of exact early production figures, the numbers are based on chassis records, known surviving cars and available documentation.