US battery manufacturer Johnson Controls has appointed Julian Revington to spearhead its growth in the British aftermarket sector.In the newly created role of UK general manager he will be responsible for the company's home market operations, including the sale and distribution of OEM and aftermarket batteries.

The appointment comes after Johnson acquired Hoppecke Automotive Batteries. One of Revington's first tasks is to launch a new product - Duplex, which is being billed as the “next generation” of starter battery.

Revington, who was previously sales director, said: “The Hoppecke brand name continues but with the kind of resources that only America's largest battery manufacturer can give.”