Longbridge fate could be decided this week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE FATE of Rover's Longbridge plant could be decided this week when the supervisory board of BMW meets on Thursday to consider the British Government's aid package, writes Nigel Cope.
Although it is a routine meeting to decide financial details such as the group's dividend payments, BMW will use it to review Longbridge's position if it receives a Government offer in time. Speculation at the weekend suggested the Government will offer pounds 180m towards the pounds 1.5bn cost of transforming the Longbridge plant in the West Midlands.
If this level of funding is provided, it should be sufficient to ensure the replacement for Rover's 200 and 400 series is built in Britain and not in a lower-cost economy such as Hungary.
The core of the range would be a Golf-sized model with a production output of around 350,000 cars a year. The new mini would also be produced at the plant. However, a Rover spokesman said yesterday a decision on Longbridge could drift into next week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments