Steady demand for Rovers despite crisis (From Western Telegraph)

Steady demand for Rovers despite crisis

A PEMBROKESHIRE car dealership, which has had a century-long association with MG Rover, is confident that the collapse of the motor company won't have a major impact on its business.

Haverfordwest-based Green's Motors has reassured its Rover customers that it will still be able to access parts, because this business was sold to Caterpillar Logistics 12 months ago.

Since news of the collapse hit the headlines last week, Green's has continued to experience a steady demand for the Rover.

"I think people can sniff out a bargain," said managing director Martin Green.

Administrators Price- waterhouseCoopers (PwC) confirmed on Wednesday that they did not have the money to reimburse dealers for honouring warranties on new Rover cars.

Dealers, including Green's Motors, are together owed about £25 million by MG Rover, much of which relates to warranty-related work they have already carried out on customers' cars.

They are unlikely to get this back, as they are not thought to be near the top of any list of potential creditors.

However, PwC said most dealers would be able to advise customers on where to get alternative cover for their cars.

Martin Green urged customers to contact him personally if they had any concerns. He said: "All owners can be certain that we are here and ready to help them with their day-to-day requirements.

"We have no problems with parts availability or servicing. The parts we use are supplied by XPart, the official independent source of MG Rover genuine parts for the aftermarket."

Rover is one of six brands sold though Green's and it doesn't anticipate any major changes to the company structure.

"Over recent years Rover has played a smaller part in the business," admitted Martin Green.

"We took on the Citroen franchise five years ago and Mitsubishi last year and we are about to start selling Mazdas, so we do have things to fill the gap," he added.