Putnam to be new president of SMMT

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has appointed Roger Putnam, chairman of Ford of Britain, as its next president.

Putnam succeeds Tod Evans, former chairman, Peugeot Citroën Automobiles UK in leading the motor industry trade association for the 12 months from June 2005.

Putnam says: “The industry faces some significant challenges in balancing the needs of its customers, in coping with regulatory pressures, and in dealing with a challenging manufacturing environment.

“I want to play my part in ensuring that issues like research and development , skills and productivity are given the profile they deserve.”