• Austin Rover, the Rover Group's volume car and carderived
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van builder, could be privatised by the end of the present government's term of office in 1992. Speaking at a recent visit to the company's Longbridge plant, Trade and Industry Secretary Lord Young said that he would be receiving details on the proposed selloff next year.
Plans are currently being drawn up by Rover Group chairman Graham Day, and these will go to Lord Young separately from the group's long-term planning report to the Government.
Commenting on whether Austin Rover could compete internationally as a private company, or whether a foreign buyer would have to be found, Lord Young said it would depend on the company's results over the next two or three years.
• Rumours that Leyland Daf is to collaborate with the Spanish state-owned CV manufacturer E.nasa to develop a replacement for the Freight Rover Sherpa have been discounted — at least officially.
Leyland Daf confirms that a link with another vehicle manufacturer on a Sherpa replacement "is one route forward". Rumours of a joint Freight Rover/Renault deal have also been denied.