ROVER dealers have given a spontaneous display of nationalistic fervour by rolling out British flags at their dealerships. After the announcement of the purchase of Rover from BMW by venture capitalist Alchemy Partners, Rover dealerships throughout the country have reaffirmed their British roots - and their faith in the future of the dealer network.

Among the dealerships flying the flag was BMG Letchworth, Diamond Rover in Hitchin and Marshall in Peterborough. Michelle Peaks, fleet sales manager at Marshall, said weekend sales had been 'superb' and added: 'Everyone here took the decision to put the flags up and sell as many cars as possible. People have been commenting on how good the showroom looks,' she said.

Richard Cort, chairman and managing director of Richard Cort, Manchester and Rossendale and Oldham, said: 'We have had a lot of customers pledging support for the company.' Cort believes BMW has got its just desserts, losing millions of pounds: 'We have a fantastic product with a tarnished image with a company that has its head so far up its own backside it expects it all to happen just because of its name.'

A decision has yet to be made on how the BMW Mini will be marketed in Britain. Under Rover, it was to have its own dealership network. A BMW insider said the Mini was not likely to be taken on by the German manufacturer's dealer network. A Rover spokesman confirmed that nothing had been organised centrally to have Union Jacks flying at its 300 dealerships.