In the new role his experience in supply chain coordination and distribution will help support the carmaker’s aim to boost EV production and supply. In November last year the carmaker announced plans to build a $1.3 billion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina for the localised supply of lithium batteries for its electric vehicle assembly from 2025. Those are part of overall plans to invest a total of $3.4 billion in EV battery development in the US up to 2030.

Austin’s promotion is one of a raft of executive leadership changes at TMNA announced this month. They include Tim Ingle replacing Tracey Doi as group vice-president and chief financial officer, effective from the beginning of August. Natalie Wilkinson is also replacing Jason Reid as vice president of the Manufacturing Project Innovation Center (MPIC). Meanwhile, Jack Hollis, currently senior vice president of automotive operations, will succeed Bob Carter as executive vice-president of sales.