MG Rover suspends production

Car giant MG Rover today suspended production at its UK factory, blaming “isolated” component supply problems.

The firm, which is involved in crucial talks with a proposed Chinese partner in a bid to secure its future, said cars were not being built on the day shift at its plant in Longbridge, Birmingham.

The company said the suspension was temporary and it remained optimistic that production would return to normal.

A company statement said: ``Given the amount of negative media coverage this week it is no surprise that we have suffered a few isolated component supply problems.

“For this reason we have temporarily suspended production.”

None of the 6,000 workers at the plant were sent home and were said to be “keeping busy” despite the halt to production of cars including the Rover 25, 45 and 75 and MG sports cars.