lovt insists on GM takeover
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HE GOVE If NMENT ants to conclude a deal with eneral Motors over the sale Land Rover-Leyland to eneral Motors by Easter.
Ministers have made absorely clear their intention to .ess ahead with the sale of e loss-making trucks divion, even though the Govnment suddenly scrapped keover talks with Ford for ustin Rover.
Trade and Industry Secrery Paul Channon, :immuneg the Ford climbdown, told IPs that he was convinced at selling off Land Rover id Leyland trucks to GM as justified provided the overnment receives salient assurances on key lints, such as identity, vestment and local content. But 'fories, led by fbriner remier Edward Heath, arned that they would ontinue to oppose the sale of ind Rover in particular to c American multi-national and argued that Britain could find itself totally dependent on. foreign suppliers for the transport needs of its armed services.
The prospect of the GM takeover going ahead has been welcomed by Leyland's dealer network.
Leyland Truck Dealers' Association chairman Sam. Newton (of Gilbraith Commercials, Chorley) told CM it is a "natural move". He added: "To me, Leyland has got the products. facilities and know-how. As Car as 1 ;inn concerned, I want someone who can buy it.
Clearly, the LTDA believes that Leyland, rather than Bedford, will emerge stronger after a takeover, and Newton said: -GM's current position in product terms is analagous to Levland's own It years ago, The GM range is at the end of its life and is in desperate need of new blood.
• See News Extra, p20