Alchemy Partners, bidding to buy Rover from BMW, this week involved Stephen Byers in a row over Government action to aid redundant Midland car workers.
BMW's disposal of Rover Group has triggered intense speculation about acquisitions and partnerships as leading manufacturers hunt the most valuable brands.
Bates Motor Group, the £100m turnover Essex and London dealer, has opened a £4m BMW dealership in south Essex.
Rover dealers are to press ahead with a compensation claim against BMW following their first meeting with the company since the announcement of the probable sale to Alchemy.
BMW dealers are to be offered a chance to sell the new Mini in a move that will clearly position the car away from Rover and as a separate brand within the Group.
UK dealers representing BMW Group's five brands have been warned they must accept change, including the influence of the internet.
The wealthy Thames Valley region spreading from Marlborough in the west to the Essex estuary covers the traditional stockbroker belts of Surrey, Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. It is Ford's own country, the carmaker employs thousands in the region, so it's hardly surprising that Thames outperforms national sales. The surprise though is the appearance of BMW in the top 10.
BMW is bullish about diesel prospects after launching the 320d at £21,345 - £22,645 in SE trim.
BMW is confident the 3 Series Touring will rapidly gain ground on its main rivals, Audi's A4 Avant and Mercedes-Benz C-class estate, which have consistently outperformed the estate.
The European Commission is next week expected to announce an investigation into the UK Government's planned £152m aid package for BMW's Rover Birmingham plant.
