In the three years since the formation of MG Rover Group under Phoenix Venture Holdings, the focus has had to be on delivering new product to market and consolidating all activities to fit the new size of company. Nevertheless, a robust Product Management Process, has meant that environmental issues have continued to be embedded in project target brochures, with target delivery monitored through a 'gateway' principle.

Continuous development of Engineering Standards on issues such as Hazardous Substances and Recyclability, have ensured that design engineers and suppliers are constantly made aware of the latest developments on environmental issues.

The major environmental influences on MG Rover product development are:
Limits on exhaust pollutants - ever more stringent limits, next stage = EU IV (2005). It would take 20 new cars to produce the same emissions per km as a vehicle made in 1970

Vehicle CO2 emission levels - keeping up with European voluntary targets and Government customer incentives through Vehicle Excise Duty, and Company Car Tax.

Powershift Programme - subsidises new car conversions to alternative fuels:

Rover 25 LPG Options
Rover 45 LPG Options
Rover 75 LPG Options
Rover 75 Tourer LPG Options
Rover Commerce LPG Options

The End of Life Vehicle Directive - introduces many measures including heavy metals restrictions, recycling quotas, free take-back responsibility, and parts marking.

Pass-by noise regulations - it would take 7 new cars to make the same level of noise as a vehicle that met the 1976 limits.