MG Rover says it has substantially grown its presence overseas, now having importers in 52 international territories, adding 356 dealers outside the UK and Western Europe.

"Growing international sales is a key strategy for the business and the strength of the Rover and MG brands has attracted major-name importers to compete for our franchise. In the coming years we should see overseas sales represent around 20% of our business," says John Tweedy, director of international markets.

Most recently agreement was reached in China, the world’s fastest growing car market, creating a network of 28 dealers. In Japan, the world’s second biggest car market, MG Rover now has 27 dealers. MG Rover will open for business in Malaysia, by Christmas. Agreements in Brazil and South Korea, among the largest remaining territories for MG Rover, are expected.

The full list of 52 markets where MG Rover is representented: Mediterranean/Middle East/Africa - Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Cyprus, Dubai, former Yugoslavia, Gibraltar, Ghana, Israel, Kuwait, Libya, Malta, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Reunion, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, Argentina, Bermuda, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, St Lucia, Uruguay, Australia, Brunei, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Tahiti, Austria, Baltic States/Latvia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Greece, Hungary, Norway, Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland.