Looking back, now over twenty years ago (it still feels L like only a few years ago), the MG ZR was such an important car for MG Rover Group as, in my opinion, it almost on its own gave us the chance to survive longer, more than any other car or initiative.
Much is well known about its conception, development, promotion, launch and achievements. Being there at the time was a unique experience I continue to treasure. Thus, it’s a challenge fully to explain this in reflection as distortions are created by hindsight and selective memories but pictures help with recall.
That said, when we emerged from the shock that, in March 2001, BMW had ‘jettisoned us’. Those with any Rover connection were TUPE’d (a process by which redundant staff are employed by a new company) to what we later named MG Rover Group Ltd. Our employment future was no less secure than at any other time in the history of Rover and its various forebears.
From this low point emerged a real ‘can-do’ internal mindset. We always had our individual welfare at the back of our minds, reflected on during our daily commute, but with little to lose and loyalty retained, we were feeling quite
