ROVER'S long-term survival is in the hands of fleet managers and the troubled manufacturer is claiming that it is signing 'significant' fleet deals in the run up to the launch of its executive 'make or break' 75 model in 13 days time. The German-owned manufacturer aims to sell 25,000 75s in a full year and Rover has also made it clear that three quarters of sales are expected to come from fleet customers.

Steve Harris, Rover Group corporate sales director, said the strength of the Rover 75 was a determining factor in many of the deals. 'We are taking significant orders for the 75. In many cases, the car will be supplied to companies alongside other models in our range. The 75 is playing a prominent part in winning new business.

Rover has declined to reveal information about most of the deals, preferring to publicise them some time in the future in 'one hit' but the manufacturer has revealed a deal with Dolland & Aitchison which has signed a joint Rover/BMW solus agreement for 450 vehicles. The contract is for two years and the cars - which also include Land Rover and MG models - are being supplied through Lease Plan and Lex Vehicle Leasing.