DAEWOO customer operations director David Gerrans has left the company suddenly after two and a half years. The former Rover fleet chief was one of six directors appointed to launch the brand in the UK in 1994 Since then, Daewoo has taken 1% of the UK market with a significant presence in the daily rental sector.

Daewoo managing director T W Rhie said: 'He has been an integral member of the management team which has put us firmly on the map.' Gerrans said: 'We introduced a new method of car retailing and customer care that the rest of the industry said was impossible to implement. Having made that work, the time is right for a new challenge.' His responsibilities in customer services and operations are temporarily assumed by marketing director Patrick Farrell until a replacement is appointed.