Nanjing Automobile Group Corp has issued a statement confirming the export of its first consignment of MG Rover replacement parts.

It follows an agreement wth XPart, the Caterpillar Logistics subsidiary which acquired MG Rover’s parts distribution business before the firm’s entry into administration last year.

No further details were provided by Nanjing, according to a report by the Xinhua agency yesterday.

However, XPart released a statement to AM this afternoon.

"Since its acquisition of assets from the administrators of MG Rover last year Nanjing leaders have continually expressed their intention to support MG Rover owners in the supply of parts to XPart.

"As part of this process we are expecting a shipment of parts from Nanjing in the next few weeks. This shipment is being used to test and ensure that we have robust supply and logistics links with Nanjing’s manufacturing operation in China," said Neil Pulsford, XPart director.