London - The British government was due Tuesday to unveil a package of support for the car industry to ensure the sector's "strong future," a spokesman for Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.

The measures would include both short-and long-term help but could not be described as a bailout, the spokesman said.

The announcement, due to be made by Industry Secretary Peter Mandelson, comes ahead of a meeting between the government and car industry representatives Wednesday.

Among companies who have urged the government to step in is luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, which is owned by India's Tata group. (dpa)