AM has learned that Jeremy Hicks, director of Audi UK, has left the business.

Hicks had been head of Audi UK for six years, during which the brand's new car volumes have increased significantly and the franchise has become a brand of choice for many premium dealer groups.

Audi has now confirmed his resignation in a brief statement: "Jeremy Hicks, director of Audi UK, is to leave Volkswagen Group UK to take up a position with another company.

"Jeremy made a significant contribution to the growth of the Audi brand in the UK and his leadership and inspiration will be missed.

"Information on his successor will be announced in due course.”

Hicks had been head of group services at VW Group UK when he took over the Audi role in August 2005 from Kevin Rose.