By making the 'hands free' wiring part of the standard line build specification, installation of the cradle and microphone is reduced from two hours to 15 minutes. Also, and more importantly, the fitment of the external equipment does not disturb the car's integrity and quality.

The initiative developed with leading telephone accessory supplier Pama, gives MG and Rover customers the benefit of being able to keep their current mobile phone and easily install it into their new car. The integrated wiring combined with the Basic Car Kit is compatible with 95 per cent of all mobile phones. No other manufacturer currently offers this level of compatibility with integrated phone preparation.

"The mobile phone is a part of everyday life so I am delighted that we're the first to integrate mobile phone wiring with such a wide choice," said Rod Ramsay, MG Rover Group managing director, sales and marketing. "The chances are that you change your phone more often than your car," added Ramsay, "so the low cost of repeat telephone installation is a key issue to encourage legal phone compliance."

Four optional packages are available with different levels of sophistication and range between £229.99 and £299.99 with installation included.

MG Rover Basic Car Kit - £229.99
The harness operates with 95% of phones - includes a phone holder, Peiker microphone, electronic control unit and installation.

MG Rover Standard Car Kit - £259.99
A range of bespoke telephone cradles operates with 70% of all phone designs and kit includes a Peiker microphone, Panorama antenna, electronic control unit with integrated harness and installation.

MG Rover Deluxe Car Kit, with user interchangeable cradle - £289.99
A range of bespoke telephone cradles with user interchangeable connections operates with 75% of customer phone designs. The kit includes a Peiker microphone, Panorama antenna, electronic control unit with integrated harness and installation.

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