Project Drive: A Cost-Cutting Initiative That Impacted MG Rover
0:00:46 What is Project Drive?: Project Drive was a cost-cutting initiative implemented by MG Rover starting in 2000 after the Phoenix Four takeover.
0:01:01 Impact: It involved deleting features and refinements from the TF, 75, and ZT models.
0:01:28 Goal: The main goal was to save costs within the financially struggling company.
0:02:07 Employee Involvement: Employees were incentivized to suggest cost-saving measures.
0:02:24 Timeframe: Project Drive lasted from 2000 to 2005 and affected all MG Rover models.
0:02:32 Focus on 75 and ZT: The video breaks down the changes per model, starting with the Rover 75 and MG ZT, which experienced some of the biggest changes.
0:03:02 Forum Posts: An incredible forum post from reevesdetails the project Drive bulletins and changes.
0:04:00 January 15, 2001: The leather handbrake grip was replaced with a plastic one on all 75 models except Club models.
0:04:23 February 2001: On Connoisseur SE models, the ash tray was replaced with a 45's type.
0:04:45 Changes to VIN Plate: The VIN plate on models changed, including the smoke rating for diesels and the company name.
0:05:15 Deletion of Rover Badge: The Rover badge on the right and left rear flanks was replaced by a blank panel, and later on models, that blank panel was also deleted.
0:06:11 Key Deletion: Keys had the Rover logo deleted in mid to late 2001.
0:06:30 June 4, 2001: The chrome plinth on the boot was modified, deleting the Rover writing and separate badge to cut costs.
0:07:09 September 3, 2001: Little square side repeater lights were replaced with little round side repeater lights.
0:07:46 October 21, 2001: There was originally three separate labels within the engine bay on the front slam panel, then they were deleted.
0:08:14 Early 2002: Air blast style oil cooler was replaced by a fluid style oil cooler
0:08:40 November 14, 2005: The rear lamp access panels and trim were modified.
0:09:06 December 3, 2001: The wooden steering wheel was replaced with a wood effect plastic fascia.
0:09:41 Leather Document Wallet: Originally, the cars came with a leather document wallet as you opened the glove box.
0:10:36 December 12, 2001: Bullet style door mirrors were replaced with teardrop style door mirrors.
0:10:44 September 2, 2002: The auxiliary burning heater was deleted on the 75 and ZT, only offered as an aftermarket option
0:11:06 December 13, 2001: Dual tone horns were replaced with the single horn on the 75 and ZT
0:11:45 Changes to 25 and 45: Candidates were chosen for the 25 and 45.
0:12:04 August 30, 2002: Twin horns were replaced with a single horn.
0:12:18 August 2002: The underbonnet sound insulation was removed.
0:12:36 Tire Repair Kit: Spare tires were replaced by an instant tire repair kit.
0:12:56 MG ZR Fog Lights: On the Rover 25, MG ZR fog light blanks became a neutral finish.
0:13:11 B-Pillar Trim: The b-pillar black vinyl trim was removed from all models.
0:13:25 25 i/ie Models: The i and ie badges were removed from the 25.
0:13:44 MG TF Changes: These changes also corresponded with the introduction of the TF.
0:14:17 Conclusion: Project Drive was a necessary evil to cut costs, but these changes may have hurt MG Rover's image. Every small change resulted in savings that kept people employed.
0:15:16: The person that made the video prefers pre-project drive cars.
0:16:06: The video maker blames British people not supporting British made cars for not having a car industry any more.