BMW is attempting to strengthen the Rover brand among fleets by offering its own product as part of a combined 'package'. The news follows the forging of much closer ties between BMW GB's corporate sales department and Rover Group's fleet team to maintain and develop leasing and fleet business.

Alan Waldie, BMW GB's corporate operations manager, said: 'BMW is a group of companies, which includes Rover, Land Rover, MG, and Mini, and it would be silly not to recognise that and allow both brands to miss out on opportunities in the corporate sector.' He insisted, however, that BMW and Rover were still very different operations, and said the day when a combined Rover/BMW fleet sales department might appear was still a long way off.

But BMW's fleet boss says both operations are reaping the rewards of an open line of communication between their corporate sales departments. Waldie said he is in regular contact with Rover Group corporate sales director Steve Harris his corporate department is encouraged to keep in touch with the Rover fleet team. He added: 'By working together, we will offer fleets an extremely comprehensive line-up of vehicles.'