DaimlerChrysler has named Mike Belk as its new aftersales director. He succeeds Wade Hubbard as head of UK aftermarket operations - Hubbard is leaving the UK next week to return to the US after two years with the company.

Belk, 42, joined in 1991, and has held posts in training and human resources. He spent two years at the car manufacturer's European headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, before taking on his previous job as general manager for aftersales operations, latterly working alongside Hubbard.

Commenting on the announcement, managing director Joachim Eberhardt says: “Mike joins the executive management team at an exciting time for the aftersales business.

“We are well placed to make the most of the opportunities for parts and services and to build on the growth in new and used vehicle sales over the last few years.”