BMW, the German motor manufacturer, yesterday repeated its threat to disrupt production at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars if the British luxury carmaker is sold to its rival Volkswagen.

The latest parry in the battle for control of the British luxury marque follows Thursday's surprise decision by Vickers to recommend VW's £430 million sterling offer, reversing its earlier support for BMW's bid. It became clear yesterday that if VW won Rolls-Royce, it would be immediately pitched into a battle over its use of the brand name.

BMW refused to be drawn on whether it would counter VW's bid by raising its own £340 million offer.

"We are not surprised by Vickers' move," said BMW. "We are not in any way in a negative mood. We still consider our bid a very good one."

Rolls-Royce, the aero engine maker which owns the Rolls-Royce name, welcomed yesterday's announcement by the European Commission rejecting attempts by Vickers to speed up its consideration of the ownership of the brand name.

While the commission stressed that its decision did not prejudice its final verdict, Rolls-Royce claimed the announcement confirmed its right to block foreign ownership. However, this drew angry denials from Vickers.