Diana Tremblay, former director of General Motors' labour relations unit in Detroit, is the new manufacturing director at Vauxhall's Luton plant. She previously held several senior managerial roles within GM Powertrain.

Mrs Tremblay, who joins the Vauxhall board, replaces Chris Gubbey who last month became executive vice-president of GM China's operations in Shanghai.

Commenting on her appointment, Vauxhall chairman and managing director Nick Reilly said: “Diana arrives at the Luton plant at an exciting time.”