Andrew Wale has been appointed to the role and brings 22 years' experience in the motor industry, having previously worked for a number of manufacturers including Volvo, Honda and Nissan. Notably he was a founder member of Honda UK’s corporate sales team and worked for five years as its national leasing and rental manager.

Commenting on his new role, he said: 'I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to join Suzuki GB and help implement its corporate sales strategy, through developing our relationship with business customers, leasing companies and the industry guides, and also by providing the dealer network with the tools, skills and support they need to develop corporate and business sales performance.

'The Suzuki range of vehicles has excellent potential for gaining business, particularly with the Swift with its low emissions and strong cost of ownership profile, and with the small 4x4s for which the company has such an enviable reputation.'

Andrew takes up his new job on 14 October and his initial focus will be the further development of Suzuki contract hire, which was launched earlier this year. He will be working with dealers to use this service to attract new local business opportunities.

'We will be looking in particular at the public sector, where our vehicles can be of real value, not least the 4x4s with their ability to keep people on the move during winter weather. Salary sacrifice schemes, driving schools and Motability sales will also yield important prospects for us,' added Wale.