AFTER more than two weeks of a rapidly-changing picture for the MG Rover Group, Neil Evans, managing director of Viking Garages Ltd at West End and Hedge End, Southampton, has spoken of the moves being made to help the customer.

He said: "Recent purchasers of vehicles from the troubled MG Rover Group are, quite rightly, concerned about their positions.

"The demise of Britain's last major car manufacturer has had drivers contemplating the resale value of their vehicles as well as the availability of service and parts.

"I am deeply saddened by the situation and have enormous sympathy for our many customers.

"Keeping them and other MG Rover owners on the road will continue to be our top priority.

"We recommend that all MG Rover owners who have not purchased their cars from Viking register with us in order that they can benefit from service, repairs, updates and any recall actions which may arise. We have the knowledge, equipment and source of future vital information to maintain running efficiency.

"We invite all MG Rover owners to contact Viking service department at Herald Industrial Estate, Hedge End, phone number 01489 780000. Every endeavour will be made to maintain a link in the future.

"Particularly worrying was last week's announcement by the administrator which states that MG Rover Group Ltd is unable to continue to meet any further claims under its warranty.

"This has clearly placed all owners of MG Rover vehicles (including ourselves) in a difficult position of having no warranty cover should a technical problem occur that would previously have been covered.

"We have investigated various providers of mechanical breakdown insurance cover and, after careful consideration, are pleased to be able to offer our customers the option to purchase a warranty from the RAC called Gold Cover.

"We have chosen the RAC as they are a respected 'household' name providing a policy which gives cover which, while not in full manufacturer's terms, is a best option at reasonable cost.

"We have policy booklets available to look through that clearly show items not covered as well as those that are.

"The future availability of spare parts does not appear to be a problem.

"Since last August, authorised parts have been supplied by XPart, an independent company owned by Caterpillar Logistics Services (UK) Ltd.

"They have more than £40m of genuine parts available in the UK at any one time and have already declared their determination to continue an ongoing parts supply to authorised dealers.

"We are absolutely committed to serving all owners with an efficient price value service and supply of MG Rover cars."