ROVER is to hold head-to-head talks with fleet bosses for the first time since its sale to the Phoenix Consortium as part of a determined drive to restore confidence in the brand and bolster residual values. Key fleet decision-makers are being invited to a conference at Rover's Longbridge plant on July 18 for the talks, which follow a confidence-boosting meeting held with data providers and residual value experts.

Analysts from CAP Motor Research, Glass's Information Services, Emmox and Henley Systems were invited to the meeting, attended by new Rover boss John Towers, where the manufacturer's plans for the future were set out. Representatives said they were impressed by the company's upbeat, positive message.

At the meeting, Rover dismissed claims it was losing £2 million a day, although estimates still put the figure as high as £1 million. But the key message from Towers was the company had 'sound' financial backing and that Rover was 'here to stay'.

One of the key weapons to lead a fight-back in the market will be more extensive use of the MG badge on restyled versions of current Rover product. A Rover spokesman said: 'There has been uncertainty and some speculation, driven by a lack of appreciation of what was going on. The meeting was aimed at putting that right. We have every reason to be very optimistic.'