MORGAN Motor Company has appointed Alan Garnett executive chairman of the board of directors following the death last month of Peter H G Morgan.

The Malvern-based company is the world's oldest, independently-owned sports car manufacturer, having been founded by Peter Morgan's father, Harry Morgan, in 1909.

Peter Morgan was involved in every aspect of the origin and development of the legendary Morgan marque from the 1950s onwards, and would visit the factory, in Pickersleigh Road, every day right up until he died, aged 83.

Mr Garnett spoke of his pride at being able to work with a firm that held such a "unique place" in the hearts of motoring enthusiasts.

"I am extremely proud and honoured to be appointed executive chairman, and to work with the directors of a company and a marque that holds a unique place in the hearts of many thousands of motoring enthusiasts worldwide," he said.

"The immediate future is very exciting and challenging, with the important American launch of the new 2004 model Aero 8, a new V6 traditional model and real success on the international motor racing scene all in prospect."

Mr Garnett is a past council member of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and brings 25 years experience in the European automotive industry to Morgan, where he has been a non-executive director since 1998.

As chief executive of the Midlands-based Webasto sunroof group, he guided the business from a turnover of under £1m to market leadership and a £90m turnover.

He is also chairman of Plastic Technologies Ltd, in Smethwick, and sits as a senior magistrate in Coventry. Mr Garnett said he was looking forward to working with Peter's son, Charles, who took over as managing director at the firm in 1999.

The company builds about 700 sports cars a year, with half of these exported.

"I hold enormous personal and business respect for Peter Morgan, whose gentlemanly business abilities and innate kindness will be sadly missed.

"He leaves a superb legacy, and I will now work closely with managing director, Charles Morgan, the management team and the workforce, to take the Morgan business and philosophy forward in a manner and style that will be a fitting tribute to Peter Morgan and the company's unique heritage."