THE union chief from Little Sutton who helped save Rover from oblivion five years ago says he has confidence in its new Chinese owners.

Nanjing Automobile Corporation, which bought the car company from receivership, has just announced plans to create 1,200 jobs at its main UK factory.

Two of the three final assembly production lines at the Longbridge plant in Birmingham will be retained, as well as the site's paint shop, said Wang Qiu Jing, vice-president of Nanjing.

In 2000, as the Transport and General Work-ers' Union's chief negotiator for the car industry, Tony Woodley was closely involved in negotiations to keep Rover in business after it was sold by German motor giant BMW.

Now general secretary of his union, Mr Wood-ley said he was convinced Nanjing was genuine about the plans.

But he added: 'They still don't have sufficient finances, including from the [UK] Government, and we will help them to do that.

'We remain of the view that China's best chance to be a global player in the industry is to combine Nanjing's activities with that of a partner.'

Nanjing says four or five new MG Rover models are being considered and the plan is to build 100,000 cars a year at Longbridge within five years.

Some of the production systems are being shipped to China but Nanjing said it intended to restart production in 2007, although some cars could be built at the end of next year if the development of engines progresses smoothly.

Company vice-president Mr Wang said: 'The viability of the UK business is dependent upon the success of our new operation in China because it allows us to take advantage of a competitive global supply chain and shared new product development.'

He revealed the company had been working with its business partners since completing the purchase of MG Rover's assets.

'This plan is based on our assessment of the market conditions in the UK and Europe, on the efficient use of those assets to be left at Long-bridge and on the formation of a new management team.'

Mr Wang said Nanjing hoped to complete its business plans in the next two or three months.

The company will be investing in assets remaining at Longbridge as well as reconfiguring the production facilities.

'At the moment, we believe we can create up to 1,200 jobs at Longbridge, but this figure could be higher, subject to more detailed planning,' he said.