HM Customs and Excise has placed an initial order for the supply of 76 new Rover 45 cars.

The contract was received following HMC&E’s satisfaction with the operational benefits of the cars and it was keen to lead with the environmental and cost effective package offered by MG Rover Group.

For petrol versions, the ability to have an approved LPG conversion fitted through MG Rover’s dealer network was seen as abeneficial proposition by HMC&E to help progress its green fleet policies. Other government departments have expressed interest in the development of the LPG vehicles.

The initial 76-car order is made up of 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines, in five-door hatchback and four-door saloon bodystyles.

There is also the possibility of purchasing more Rover cars already fitted with LPG conversions.