Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has appointed its third leader in 12 months.

Ian Robertson, the head of BMW's South Africa operation, became the West Sussex-based luxury car maker's chairman and chief executive yesterday.

The 46-year-old follows Karl-Heinz Kalbfell, who resigned last month and will take over at Fiat subsidiary Alfa Romeo next year.

In May, chairman and chief executive Tony Gott resigned from RRMC for personal reasons.

Mr Robertson's task will be to try to improve sales of the £217,000 Phantom which are running below the 1,000-a-year target.

He will also oversee the development of a two-door convertible to be built at the Goodwood plant.