THE MGF roadster has been an unexpected fleet success for Rover with corporate customers accounting for 25% of total sales. With almost 7,000 sales last year, the MGF's volume alone puts it ahead of Alfa Romeo and Subaru in the UK car market, but the proportion which have been sold to fleet operators and contract hire companies has come as a surprise to Rover.

The news reflects the growing diversity of a buoyant fleet and jobs market in which employers increasingly have to compete with attractive remuneration packages to attract high calibre staff.

Rover fleet director Steve Harris said strong residual values and reasonable running costs were making the MGF an acceptable fleet contender. 'It's a desirable product and in terms of whole life costs - which are reflected in contract hire rentals - it's very competitive.'