Chrysler Group UK managing director Peter Lambert has left the company following a shake-up which has seen the DaimlerChrysler name disappear.

From November 1, the firm split into two companies – Mercedes-Benz UK and Chrysler UK – to reflect the sale by DaimlerChrysler of the Chrysler Group to Cerberus Capital Management and its subsequent renaming to Chrysler LLC.

Mr Lambert will be replaced by former managing director Simon Elliott, who will be the interim MD for the UK as well as retaining his title of president and CEO of Chrysler China. Mr Lambert succeeded Mr Elliott in June 2006.

The shake-up has resulted in two new divisions – Mercedes-Benz UK will encompass Mercedes-Benz, Smart and Maybach cars as well as Mercedes-Benz and Mitsubishi Fuso LCVs.

Chrysler UK will be made up of the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands.

Further changes are also on the cards and will be implemented next April with DaimlerChrysler Financial Services UK becoming Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK.

This new company will continue to operate as the exclusive financial partner for Chrysler UK.

At the same time, DaimlerChrysler Fleet Management will be renamed Daimler Fleet Management UK and DaimlerChrysler Insurance Services will drop the Chrysler part of its name.

Wilfried Steffen, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz UK, said: “Our priority has been to ensure our staff are able to move forward in their new, or renamed, company with maximum continuity and the minimum of inconvenience.

“Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler LLC have strong teams and brands in the UK and they will continue to work alongside each other to strengthen further their respective businesses.”