PHOENIX'S aim of bringing new models to the market in an alliance with another manufacturer has suffered a blow, with the one company named by Rover's new owners as a key contender rejecting all suggestions of involvement. On future models, Nick Stephenson, Phoenix Consortium member and John Towers, joint chief executive of Rover, said that, with its aim of having a 'positive cash flow' within 14 months and being in profit within two years, other manufacturers 'will be knocking at our door' to form development alliances.

He said the consortium was 'keen' to speak to Honda, which until BMW's takeover in 1994 was in partnership with Rover, because of the history the two companies share. 'However, I'm not pretending we have anything in the bank with them,' said Stephenson.

But a statement from Honda effectively closed the door on a deal. A spokesman said: 'Honda is not holding talks with the Phoenix Consortium about the future model strategy or strategic alliance. Honda's partnership with Rover Group ended in 1994 when BMW purchased Rover.'