TWO of the region's most prestigious corporate names, Aston Villa and MG Rover Group, have announced a two-season shirt sponsorship deal.
Longbridge-based MG Rover, which employs hundreds of Worcestershire workers, has stepped up its links with the football club to continue its 18-year commercial partnership.
"This is a marriage between the Midlands' premier car manufacturer and premier football club - and is testament to how far MG Rover Group has progressed," said Terry Hunt, UK retail sales director for MG Rover.
"Official club sponsor is a significant investment for the company and reflects the fact that we're one of the major players in the automotive industry."
Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis was in Japan with the England football team when the announcement was made.
"The synergy between ourselves and MG Rover Group is apparent," he said.
"Our relationship with them has progressed over the last two years."
The home and away kit will feature the Rover and MG brands respectively and is due to go on sale on Monday, July 15.
To celebrate, MG Rover has produced a one-off Aston Villa Rover 25. The car, which will include the club colours, crest and special features, will be given away in a competition to be announced later in the summer.
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