LDV's powers of survival have been awe-inspiring. Last decade, the UK vehicle manufacturer's parent, Leyland Daf, went bankrupt. This decade, its partner Daewoo went bankrupt. LDV has also popped in and out of administration and has had more than one careful owner since.

But the chances of the plucky vanmaker making it through to the next decade are evaporating. Unless talks with potential investors yield a last-minute rescue, LDV will go into administration next week, dealing yet another blow to employment prospects in the West Midlands.