Volvo UK has confirmed that acting managing director Nick Connor (pictured) will take up the position permanently.

The position also includes the responsibility for Volvo’s Ireland and Iceland subsidiaries.

Connor succeeds Peter Rask who left the business in July 2011 and he had performed an acting role since.

Connor has worked for Volvo in the UK for the past 16 years, most recently as sales director but previously as group solicitor and company secretary.

Connor said: "Being asked to lead such an important and well-recognised brand at such an important time of its recent development is a great honour and responsibility.

“Volvo's new Designed Around You brand strategy is developing very positively and the new V40 five-door hatchback, due in showrooms in the summer is, arguably, the most important car for Volvo in terms of volume development for the last decade."