Rover is to be directly controlled by BMW bosses in Munich, it emerged today.

It is understood that the Germans are fed up with their British subsidiary's losses and quality control problems.

They want to end duplication of two management teams and an end to the "us and them" mentality which has dogged Rover for five years.

The move comes as Rover workers wait to hear if the company will build a job-saving medium-sized car with the help of a £200m Government grant.

Story date: Friday 19 February

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