MG Rover parts producer XPart has expanded its wholesaler network to more than 90 outlets.

The expansion means there are now more wholesalers stocking parts than when Longbridge was still manufacturing.

XPart general manager Craig Cooper said: "The loyalty of MG Rover owners has been significant.

"Owners continue to want the best for their cars and demand for service items and replacement parts remains strong and with our network of wholesalers in expansion, we continue to meet that demand. "

The company also aims to get individual parts to any of its 230 service centres overnight, if needed.

One such centre is at Colliers in Erdington. The dealership has specialised in Rovers for 75 years. XPart, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Logistics Services UK, boasts a 92 per cent parts availability, with 47,000 part numbers in stock covering all the MG Rover models from the latest to roll off the Longbridge production line, such as the ZT and TF, to the days of Austin Rover.

Since March 2005 XPart has been working with more than 600 suppliers to source and ensure the ongoing supply of parts. It has invested more than £5 million in new tooling to fill the void left when the original production equipment was moved to China from the Longbridge plant.

In the UK, the marque remains the fifth most popular car on the road.