Tim Tozer has quit his position of chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors, with Rory Harvey his replacement. Tozer joined Vauxhall in February 2014, replacing Duncan Aldred, who moved to Detroit to become US vice president of Buick-GMC sales, service and marketing.
The surprise news comes during the week in which the all-new Astra is launched in the UK and off the back of an upbeat Frankfurt Motor Show, during which Tozer spoke of his high hopes for the new hatchback. Indeed, he even featured in the promotional video to support the Astra’s press launch in Liverpool.
Tozer has huge experience in the automotive industry, including a spell as CEO of Autobinck Holding in the Netherlands, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe and managing director of Mazda UK. In a statement, Vauxhall said he would “pursue his career outside of General Motors”, although there’s no word on where he is moving to.
His replacement, Rory Harvey, moves across from Opel Europe, where he was executive director for sales. He will report to Peter Kuespert, vice president of sales and aftersales, who had this to say on the appointment: “Rory has a profound knowledge of the British car market, a wealth of experience within Vauxhall and Opel and excellent management qualities.
“We look forward to working with Rory on the implementation of our model offensive and building an even stronger Vauxhall brand. At the same time, I would like to thank Tim for the great commitment he showed towards our brand.”
Under Tim Tozer’s watch, Vauxhall has launched the fifth generation Corsa as well as bringing the OnStar service to the UK. He leaves as the Astra is receiving its most positive reviews for years.
