Uncertainty hangs over the fate of the MG Rover dealer network following the Longbridge carmaker’s decision to go into administration this afternoon.

The decision could potentially affect thousands of employees in its 258-strong retail network as the supply of new cars dries up. Although measures will have to be put in place to maintain service and repair operations for existing owners of MG and Rover cars, it’s unlikely that dealer groups will retain MG Rover showrooms if they are unable to sell new vehicles.

Richard Cort, chairman of the MG Rover Dealer Council and managing director of Richard Cort Motor Group, says he cannot predict the outcome for dealers, but adds: "It’s not over yet."

He is in regular contact with the manufacturer, its warranty provider, administrators PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Department of Trade and Industry and the major political parties and is working hard to keep the dealer network informed of developments.