Rover returns
19 October 1999
The struggling Rover company is unveiling its new hopes - the 25 and 45 - at the London Motor Show. Rover is pinning its hopes on the new models. If they sell, the company will survive; if not, its future could be jeoparised.
The 45 was unveiled with music, lights and models Supermodel Kate Moss helped promote the new cars at a spectacular unveiling. Triple Jump Champion Jonathan Edwards also went through a new set of steps as he and other athletes joined the event.
Rover has seen sales slump as parent firm BMW slims down the company. The Rover 45 aims to rival the VW Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus. The 25 will compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 206, aimed at younger buyers who want a sporting hatchback.
They will replace the R200 and R400. BMW board member Heinrich Heitmann said Rover sales were rising and the company should break even by 2001.
The London Motor Show is held every two years at Earl's Court.
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