The appointment takes effect from 1 January 2007 and was announced at SMMT's annual dinner in central London this evening. Graham Smith succeeds Roger Putnam, former chairman of Ford of Europe and SMMT president since June 2005.

Commenting on his appointment, Graham Smith said, "I am honoured to have been chosen as SMMT president and look forward to taking the reins in January. These are important times for the industry and my priority next year will be to ensure that the real progress we have made in productivity, skills and in driving down emissions from production sites and products is fully appreciated by all our stakeholders. A light regulatory touch will ensure Britain's largest manufacturing sector continues to thrive and make progress in all areas of sustainable development."

Graham Smith joined Toyota (GB) as a regional general manager in 1993. He was promoted first to marketing director, then, in 1996, to managing director and was subsequently appointed senior vice-president, external and environmental affairs, Toyota Motor Europe, from 1 July 2006.

In January 2003 he was invited to chair the newly established Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP), an alliance of over 200 organisations developing initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from road vehicles. Members include representatives of vehicle manufacturers and fuels companies, environmental organisations, road user groups, academic and government bodies.

Graham Smith is also a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry and a vice-president of Automotive Fellowship International.

Graham Smith added, "I want to thank Roger Putnam for his personal contribution and positive role during his time as SMMT President, particularly in driving the British International Motor Show to a successful new venue in London. He has been an excellent ambassador and outstanding servant of the industry for many years and I wish him well in the future."