MG Rover has opened four new dealerships in Berlin, taking the total number of new dealer appointments to 60 throughout Europe during the year.

The manufacturer says it will announce a further 100 appointments during 2005. Company bosses say the new car distribution block exemption allows them to feature their products in multi-franchise operations. Rod Ramsey, director of worldwide sales, said: 'Rover and MG are niche brands of high quality and strong customer appeal, so they harmonise well with other makes in the showroom, and they cover 80% of passenger car segments. Dealers are also attracted by the brands' historic customer base, which is large and brings income from servicing and repairs.'