CONFIDENCE among fleet managers running Rovers was shaken by the announcement of a new owner for Rover, particularly the effect it could have on residual values of their vehicles. But no-one spoken to by Fleet NewsNet has said they will abandon Rover cars.

However, Simon Boggis, group fleet manager of TNT UK & Eire - Fleet News Fleet of the Year - says he is in crunch talks with Rover over its future on his dual-badge fleet. TNT operates 1,500 cars, of which 450 are Rovers, and 5,500 commercial vehicles and Boggis says a decision will be made in the next few days. He said: 'It is a sad event and it is also a mess. I don't think there is any clear strategy, although it may be too early to prejudge, but they will need a radical rethink of their corporate fleet policies.'

Elsewhere, fleet managers spoke of their sadness at the demise of Rover but pledged to stay loyal to the ailing brand. However, Ian Kelly, group transport manager for John Menzies, which has a solus-Rover fleet supplied by Rover Corporate Finance, said: 'It is business as usual as far as I am concerned. Cars are coming on to the fleet this week and I am not going to make knee-jerk reactions. This is not the end of the world, but the new owners do seem to have a mish-mash of wish lists. I wish them well.'