ROVER has adopted similar tactics to Peugeot in attempting to head-off threatened industrial action at its Longbridge plant. Rover wrote to 2,000 employees on the 400 range production line suggesting strike action could affect parent company BMW's investment decisions.

Workers were to vote on industrial action over the terms of their contracts this week, but management have warned of potential implications for BMW investment for manufacture of the Mini replacement.

Workers at Peugeot's Ryton plant last week voted for an overtime ban followed by a strike next Friday after rejecting management's pay offer. Peugeot warned of the 'far-reaching and damaging consequences' of a strike at Ryton, where the new 206 is to go into production next year.