BMW could sell Rover brand name if Ford acquiesces

According to Forbes, BMW CEO Helmut Panke said that the German automaker is in talks with several Chinese manufacturers about purchasing the Rover brand. Some of the manufactures include automakers Shanghai Automobile Industry Corp (SAIC) and Nanjing Automobile who have, in the past, expressed interest.
However, Panke said that “Ford has the right of first refusal.” Thus, the U.S. automaker would be given first shot in purchasing the brand name even if BMW had reached price agreements with the Chinese automakers. Interestingly, BMW has yet to ask Ford if the automaker is interested.

[Source: AFX via Forbes]

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