Written question asked by Lindsay Hoyle (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 January 1999. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Monday, 25 January 1999 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on the expected future production by Rover/BMW cars.

Answer: Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the expected future production by Rover-BMW cars. [67053] Mr. Battle: Rover Group produce a range of vehicles in the UK from the Mini to the Land Rover series. Last year, Rover launched the new R75 which will be produced at Cowley and go on sale this year as a replacement for the 600-800 models. And in November, Bernd Pischestreider, Chairman of BMW, announced that the new Mini will be produced at Longbridge from 2000. Longbridge currently produces the Rover 200 and 400 models, which are due to be replaced early in the new millennium. BMW has yet to make a decision as to where the new model will be produced. The Government naturally remain in close contact with both Rover and BMW on many issues including the location of production of future models.

Secondary information