Forecourt bargains as director sells stock

ONE of the car maker's directors is selling Rovers for half price, it has merged. John Edwards - one of the 'Phoenix Four' consortium that bought the car firm from BMW five years ago - owns a dealership in Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.

Rover prices are already due to plummet after the company's administrators said there was no money to fund warranty agreements.

But at the Edwards dealership a Rover 75 1.8 Turbo Contemporary with fewer than 50 miles on the clock stands on his forecourt with a price tag of £11,995 - little more than half the list price of £22,490. It has an 04 numberplate but has been on the road only for a test drive.

A slightly newer version with a 54 plate is for sale at just £14,995. And a more luxurious 04 plate Rover 75 1.8 Turbo Connoisseur is also for sale at £11,995. When asked about future reductions a salesman admitted: 'We're all in the dark at the moment, but I should think there'll be some cracking discounts before long.'

Rover dealers will seek millions of pounds in aid from Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt to fund repairs for more than 150,000 customers whose warranties are now invalid.

Despite that, the Edwards dealership continues to stock brochures promising a three year/60,000 mile warranty for all Rover 75s. It also offers free AA membership for a year, plus the chance to buy five-star European cover at a discounted rate.