MAZDA Motors Germany's president and chief executive officer, Klaus Tarlatt, has stepped down and been replaced by managing director Michael Bergmann.

Tarlatt had been at the helm of Mazda's largest national sales company for six years.

He said: 'I have had the opportunity during my tenure to lead a great team of men and women. It was always one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job working with them on a daily basis.

'I want to thank everyone for their hard work during the past six years and to assure them that, with Michael Bergmann and his highly motivated executive team, I leave the company in very able hands. I am confident that Mazda will continue to grow and prosper in Germany in the years to come.'

Bergmann joined Mazda Motors Germany last year after nine years in various executive positions with General Motors Europe.

These included the posts of managing director of Opel Netherlands and regional director e-GM in the UK.