Chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors Tim Tozer has quit the carmaker just one week after telling journalists at the Frankfurt Motor Show about his high hopes for the brand's future with its new generation Astra.

Vauxhall said Tozer has decided to leave the company and pursue his career outside of General Motors.

It has announced Rory Harvey (pictured) as his successor. Harvey has wide experience within GM’s European operations, working in several areas of sales and aftersales.

Harvey was managing director of Chevrolet UK from 2006 to 2008, then moved to Vauxhall as aftersales director and then retail sales director. 

In his most recent position, he was executive director sales, Opel Europe, based at the Opel headquarters in Ruesselsheim, Germany. 

He will report to Peter Kuespert, vice president sales and aftersales and member of the Opel Group board.

Kuespert said: ‘Rory has a profound knowledge of the British car market, a wealth of experience within Vauxhall and Opel and excellent management qualities.

"We look forward to working with Rory on the implementation of our model offensive and on building an even stronger Vauxhall brand.

"At the same time, I would like to thank Tim for the great commitment he showed towards our brand.

"We are grateful for his hard work and wish him all the best for the future.”