Ford of Britain marketing director John Mendel has been promoted to head customer, service and parts, sales and marketing for Mazda in the US. Mazda plans 11 car launches in America by 2005. Mazda Motor Europe president Jan Brentebraten is to be director of Ford's Scandinavian region and managing director of Ford Sweden. The appointments are from January 1. Ford of Britain chairman and managing director Ian McAllister is spending one day a week in the unpaid role of leading the creation of a successor to Railtrack which is in receivership. Industry speculation suggests Mr McAllister plans to leave Ford by next spring.

  • Ford has appointed the investment bank Goldman Sachs to explore the options for its Kwik-Fit subsidiary. Ford expects to lose £634m in the fourth quarter and wants to raise revenue and cut costs.