Former Nissan senior executive Sir Ian Gibson is to lead a team advising the Government of the likely shape of the UK motor industry in five to 15 years.

The 'car tsar' chairs the Automotive Innovation and Growth Team, set up by the Department of Trade and Industry. Its brief includes “identifying the opportunities and threats to the UK as a market and supply base”.

Briefing journalists, Sir Ian said: “The Government's existing relationship with the car industry is no longer coping. It was designed for less challenging times.”