Rover sales plummet to 739

13 April 2012

THE MG Rover group sold just 739 cars last month as its slide into administration put off potential buyers. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed that the company sold just a tenth of the number it would expect to shift for the time of year.

The company called in administrators early last month after talks with the Shanghai Automotive Corporation failed, but news of the firm's potential demise hit sales at the beginning of the month.

Manufacturing at the company ceased while the administrators tried to find a buyer, but thousands of workers were laid off in mid-April when it failed.

Ironically, since that point dealerships have reported an upsurge in demand as customers look for a bargain.

The news comes as mystery surrounds a potential bid for the company from a consortium of three-Iranian car manufacturers. Saipa, Khodro, and Dastaan have reportedly been told by the Iranian government to make an offer for the West Midlands-company.

SPECIAL REPORT: Read our full round-up of the collapse of MG Rover

The Rover sales dip contributed to overall UK new car sales falling 4% to 179,457 in April this year compared with the same time a year ago. Total sales for the year to date have now reached 880,962 - a 6.6% drop on the January-April 2004 figure.

SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: 'On five of the last six occasions, new car registrations have received a boost immediately after a General Election. However, March figures showed that the market had already started to pick up after a disappointing start to the year.'

The Ford Focus was once again the top-selling model last month. The BMW-owned Mini - once part of the Rover empire - entered the top 10 for the first time since July 2003.

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