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.
