Two of the Midlands most prestigious corporate names, Aston Villa and MG Rover Group, have today announced a shirt sponsorship deal encompassing the next two seasons.

The Midlands’ biggest British car manufacturer obtained "Premiership" status by linking up with the region’s premier football club to ensure an extension to an ongoing commercial partnership to almost twenty years.

MG Rover Group, UK Retail Sales Director, Terry Hunt commented: "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 over the last two years. Official club sponsor is a significant investment for the company and reflects the fact that we are seen as one of the major players in the automotive industry. This deal enables us to market the brand at national and international level. On a local level the success of both Aston Villa and ourselves has and will continue to be of great importance to the region and further afield."

Aston Villa Chairman Doug Ellis was in Japan with the England Football team and therefore unavailable for today’s announcement, added: "The synergy between ourselves and MG Rover Group is very apparent, both in terms of success and of importance to the region. Our relationship with them has progressed over the last two years – it seems only fitting that it has reached official club sponsor status."

The home and away kit will feature the Rover and MG brands respectively rather than having MG Rover Group on both. The home kit is available for order as of today and goes on sale in the club shop on 15 July. MG Rover Sales & Marketing Director, John Sanders added: "By separating the two brands between home and away kits we are maintaining the individuality of both brands. Of course this sponsorship will help contribute to the world-wide awareness and desirability of our two brands."

To celebrate the deal, MG Rover has produced a special one-off vehicle, an ‘Aston Villa Rover 25’.

The car, which will include the club colours, crest and special features, will be given away as the prize in a special competition to be announced later in the summer.