A four-point agenda for action has been set out by Tod Evans, the new president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Evans, the Peugeot-Citroen UK chairman, says he will work to improve the position of domestic component suppliers in the face of increasing competition and the strength of the Euro against the Pound. He will also address the task of balancing competitive new car prices against the long-term needs of the consumer.

Next on the list is achieving environmental gains in the industry while the fourth is to push the case for the UK to be a major centre for vehicle production.

Succeeding Mike Baunton, president of Perkins Engines Company, Evans says: “The motor industry represents a significant part of the UK economy and there are many important issues that face us in the next 12 months. I want to play my part in ensuring that they are given proper consideration both by government and other agencies.”

Evans joined Ford in 1962 and became marketing director of Talbot Motor Company in 1981. In 1999 he was appointed UK MD of Peugeot and became chairman of Peugeot-Citroen UK in March.