Businessman John Penny joined the rush for Rover cars last month and is delighted with his motoring move, writes David Duffy.

Mr Penny picked up his gleaming 2.5-litre V6 British Racing Green Rover 75 Club from Kernahan of Witney.

He said: "If this is an example of British engineering then they are not going to have a problem."

His new company car was one of 5,704 of the Cowley-built luxury saloons which were sold in April, more than the combined sales figures for the previous three months.

Mr Penny, whose company based at Abingdon Science Park supplies woodworking machinery to industry, said: "We have had Rovers before but this is something special.

"I had a test drive and that was great, but you never get a real feel for a car until it is yours, driving down a dual carriageway.

"I am impressed with the way they have combined the old feel of a Rover with decent technology. I have spoken to colleagues who are really envious.

"I am not particularly impressed by engines, but the styling is tremendous and played a major part in the reason to buy."

Mr Penny said the major advertising campaign and 2,000 cash-back offer on Rover 75 models also played their part in persuading him to buy the car.

The sparing Rover sales figures were announced as the Cowley workers were praised as the most productive in Europe.

Research by Warwick Business School found a Rover 75 could be built to order in ten days, compared with the European average of 40 days or more.