Robert Barris has been appointed as the new managing director for SYUK Cars Ltd, the importer of SsangYong vehicles. He replaces Peter Ellis, who first conceived the idea of SYUK Cars a year ago, and who now takes up the role of deputy chairman.

Mr. Barris has considerable experience within the UK motor and related finance industries, and previously worked with Tom Martin (SYUK's marketing director and co-founder) on a number of occasions, most recently while setting up Citroën Contract Motoring.

The ownership of Ssangyong Motors in South Korea is due to pass shortly to the Chinese Blue Star Corporation, currently undertaking due diligence proceedings; the takeover has been the subject of protests from the company's trade unions.