FORD is to continue its partnership with Rover in supplying Dun and Bradstreet's 1,000-strong car fleet for a further four years in a dual-badge deal worth a total of £16 million. Rover will supply half of the fleet and Ford has confirmed it will be supplying the other half.

The High Wycombe-based business information provider said the launch of Ford's new Focus played a big part in its decision to continue its current three-year dual-badge deal with the manufacturer for another four years. The company expects to renew 1,200 cars by the end of 2002, and the Ford half will be predominately Focus, Mondeo, Galaxy and Puma, with some Cougar. Most of the fleet is on a four-year/80,000-mile replacement cycle.