Andy Palmer, chief planning officer and executive vice president, Nissan Motor Corporation, has been named in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

Palmer was named a Companion of The Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG). The Order of St Michael and St George is awarded to men and women who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country.

The award was given in recognition of Palmer’s services to the British automotive industry and his role in championing the UK as an automotive manufacturing base.

Palmer said: "This award is a genuine surprise and I am humbled, honoured and extremely delighted to receive it. I would like to thank all the people of Nissan that have helped me achieve this.

“I started my automotive career 35 years ago with an apprenticeship and then moved to Austin Rover.  With 23 years at Nissan in the UK, I am immensely proud of all that we have achieved in making the UK a critical part of Nissan’s design, R&D and manufacturing operations.

“The UK has a wealth of automotive talent and expertise and it is vital that we continue in our efforts to attract the next generation and promote all that the industry has to offer.”