ROVER has denied reports that the launch of its new 'company saving' executive 75 model will be delayed by two months because of difficulties meeting BMW quality standards. The flagship car, heralded as the saviour of the financially troubled firm, is still set to be launched to dealers and main corporate customers from February.

The company is denying that the car, due to go on sale in March, would not enter showrooms until May. Customers should be able to order the 75 from March, but a Rover spokesman could not say when the vehicles would be delivered. He said: 'Everything is on time regarding the launch, but exactly when the cars will go into the showroom is unclear. This is to be expected. We are working to BMW's standards now and BMW says a car will not go out until it is 110% perfect. It doesn't set dates. We don't know when the 75 will meet the required standards.'

The speculation and resulting denial came as Rover Group workers paved the way for a multi-million programme of investment at the threatened Longbridge factory by accepting new working practices.