CHARLES Morgan has stepped down from his role at his family’s world-famous Morgan Motor Company.

Mr Morgan will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running of the business, which employs 177 people at its factory in Pickersleigh Road, Malvern Link.

He remains a 30 per cent shareholder of the firm, which is still privately owned by the Morgan family.

A spokesman for the firm said the decision for Mr Morgan to step down from his role as strategy director had been made by the shareholders and board of directors – four out of six of whom are still members of the family.

A statement on behalf of the board of directors, Morgan Technologies Ltd, said: “Over recent months, and in response to the growth in volumes, model range and overseas markets, the management team has been strengthened across a number of different areas, reflecting the scale and complexity of an increasingly global business.

“Whilst these are significant developments for the company, setting it up to compete in an increasingly demanding global market, the family owners, directors and team at the company look forward to sharing more news with the wider Morgan world that we believe creates an ever more exciting future whilst remaining conscious of the unique attributes of the Morgan brand.”

Charles Morgan was not available for comment but he took to Twitter to share his views with more than 7,200 followers on Tuesday.

He said: “Sad strange day, thinking good thoughts about all the workforce at Pickersleigh Road #morgan”

He later added: “Never thought I would envy the #morgan 3 Wheeler test drivers quite so much!”

The company was founded by Mr Morgan’s grandfather H.F.S Morgan in 1909 and it is still the world’s oldest privately owned car manufacturer, producing more than 1,300 cars each year.

Mr Morgan took on the lead role after the death of his father Peter in 2003 and the company is currently headed by managing director Steve Morris, who was previously the operations director.

It has seen an expansion in recent months, opening a showroom at the Workers Stadium, Beijing, China, in June.