The question is, which two? Stephenson obviously, plus Towers?
Interesting Edwards is said to have approached Moseley, if he is one of these two, that would be a positive sign, but perhaps the P4 have split into two camps, and Edwards is not in favour of Nanjing, in which case moseley probably stands no chance.
The quote below was lifted from Keith's site the week after LB closed, said to be from a well-informed inside source. Seems quite prophetic... note the bits in bold...
"The situation as it stands:
According to one contributor to austin-rover.co.uk, a senior MGR
marketing executive sums up PwC and MGR's situation in these terms
(as unpalatable as some of these seem).
In its current form MGR and mass production at Longbridge is no more.
SAIC has been quick to withdraw from negotiations due in some part to
government involvement; SAIC has begun to smell victory at a
liquidated price, and are now viewed as worst enemy.
The Tata/CityRover contract is terminated (or is to be formally so
next week).
The Indian SUV and Diesel engine ventures are being offered the
Indian companies in order to simplify MGR and raise cash.
Tata has been in formal contact with the administrators about
acquiring Powertrain completely, with a view to transfer to India and
supply and British manufacturing plant.
A small American firm is interested in purchasing the MG SV for
production in the US (and has been for a few months although it was
initially just the distribution rights in the US).
A 2000 sale clause with BMW means that Ford/Land Rover are to be
offered the Rover name and production rights. It is thought that if
MGR goes into liquidation they will purchase the name.
Ford has stopped supplying V8 engines for the SV and ZT/Rover 75,
with no more to come until the situation is finalized.
After an approach by the Administrators Ford/PAG confirmed that it
does not want MG. The senior managers (not the top table people)
think that the problem is this:
A. Too much time spent on wooing the Chinese/Proton.
B. X80/ MG SV project wasted cash for little benefit
C. 75 RWD platform ditto
D. CityRover did damage to brand, and the company spent too much time
and effort on deal.
E. Lack of government support.
F. No new metal only pointless and costly refreshes of range with
little effect on sales
G. Press attacks stopped showroom traffic
R45 replacement 10 months (and about 80 million) from production
build if cash could be found.
Plan B is now MG and Powertrain to retreat to MGR owned engine plant
land, plant set up and TF and ZT to be produced along with if cash
can be raised a MG version of the R45 replacement.
Rover brand to be dropped, due to terminal damage.
Possible small volume medium car (R45 replacement) to be built
alongside MG version (if cash available) for sale in the UK only as
an Austin (or something else not a Rover).
BMW being very helpful at this time (allowing parts still to be
shipped etc)
3575 jobs to go at Longbridge.
Studley Castle to be sold and cash to new company, offers already in.
Proton/Tata/SAIC/ unnamed small car company (thought to be Porsche
interested in MG only?) approached Administrators about all or part
of current MGR.
Current P4 owners still want to be part of business, but feel they
will be forced out, no way out but administration to clear problems."
Is the involvement of P2 a good thing or bad? Looked at objectively, their track record swings from the sublime to the ridiculous (ie ZT to cityrover), but it could mean better prospects of UK production if they've managed to influence Nanjing so heavily thus far, but will do nothing for MGR's image in the press.
