Morgan Motor Company, the world's oldest independently owned sports car manufacturer, has appointed Mr Alan Garnett as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors following the recent death of Mr Peter H.G. Morgan.

A past Council Member of the SMMT, Alan Garnett has been a non-executive director of Morgan since 1998. As Chief Executive of the Midlands-based Webasto sunroof group, he guided the business from a turnover of under £1 million to market leadership and a £90 million turnover. His other business responsibilities currently include Chairmanship of Plastic Technologies Ltd of Smethwick.

Commenting, Mr Garnett said: "I am extremely proud and honoured to be appointed Executive Chairman and work with the Directors of a company and a marque that holds a unique place in the hearts of many thousands of motoring enthusiasts worldwide. The immediate future is very exciting and challenging, with the important American launch of the new 2004 model Aero 8, a new V6 traditional model, and real success on the international motor racing scene all in prospect.