CITYROVER ACCELERATES AHEAD
CityRover is to be launched across European markets in 2005 and the development of a diesel model is to be accelerated, MG Rover announced today. Responding to the tough environment of the small car market, particularly in the UK, the appeal and competitiveness of CityRover has been significantly enhanced.
Following a business review between MG Rover and Tata both companies have restated their commitment to make the CityRover a success across Europe.
The business review allowed both parties the opportunity to reassess the market while also allowing joint teams of engineers to work on the technical development, aimed at increasing the appeal and competitiveness of the CityRover. New vehicle specifications have been agreed along with the introduction of the diesel engine that will greatly enhance the roll out of the vehicle across Europe.
In the UK the 2005 model year CityRover will be launched from £5995 with an enhanced specification for the Solo model including anti-lock brakes, power-assisted steering and driver’s airbag; the three model line-up will include the Select at £6995 and the top-of-the-range Style featuring air-conditioning, 14 in alloy wheels and luxury trim at a price of £7995. The new models will go on sale in spring 2005.
All models benefit from more than 50 improvements ranging from new interior trim materials to a doubling of the service interval from 6000 miles to 12,000 miles for reduced running costs.
"This is excellent news for both our UK and European dealers as they need a city car to increase our market penetration which will boost our efforts to raise overall sales next year," said Rod Ramsay, managing director, sales and marketing, MG Rover Group. "Our model line-up will be significantly more competitive with the enhanced CityRover we are planning to introduce during 2005." The left hand drive version of CityRover will be launched in Europe from May 2005.
Divyendu Kumar, head of international business, Tata Motors Limited, said. "CityRover supplies remain a priority for Tata Motors and the company continues to be committed to the overall success of the CityRover project."
