Seventy-five past and present Suzuki dealers, as well as industry colleagues, have said a fond farewell to the brand’s senior general manager Ian Price.

He has retired after 17 years in senior roles at Suzuki, including launching the Suzuki Finance brand.

Price joined the Japanese car brand from Chartered Trust.

The party was held on Wednesday at a private members club in Mayfair. He was met by more than 70 people – all wearing Ian Price face masks.

One of the event’s organisers, Robin Luscombe, owner of Luscombe Suzuki Leeds, said: “The fact so many dealers past and present were willing to travel across the country to attend this event for Ian is a sign of the respect in which he is held within the Suzuki family.

"He will be a real loss to the business and we all wish him the very best of luck for the future”.