NICK Scheele, Ford of Europe chairman, was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours. Scheele, the former Jaguar boss who now spends much of his time in the USA, was knighted for his services to British motor exports.

Speculation is mounting that Scheele could be appointed number two to Ford Motor Company president and chief executive Jac Nasser but a Ford spokesman said he could neither 'confirm nor deny' the reports.

Peter Vardy, chairman of dealership group Reg Vardy has also received a knighthood.