Former Morgan chairman Charles Morgan has defended his record and accepted he was ousted by his own family.
Speaking to the Post, Mr Morgan said the historic Malvern firm had enjoyed success across his tenure, including growing export sales in the US and Far East.
After being axed by board members earlier this month, the grandson of founder Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan said he had been ousted from the firm by sister Gillian Price and brother-in-law David Price.
However, he has appealed the decision, and said both customers and the workforce want him to remain at the helm of the firm.
He told the Post: “I have never had a majority in the company since my father died.
“There is a trust which represents 48 per cent of the shares and my brother-in-law is the trustee. Combined with the 10 per cent of my sister that has given them quite a feeling of power.”
He added: “I am proud of what I have done so far. I think it is a very successful company. We have doubled production and the 3 Wheeler is a great success, particularly in America and my record is there for all to see.
“The workforce wants me there and so do the customers. We do a photographic record of the car throughout production – from the chassis to the leather trim – and I sign every one. It is a nice thing to have for the customer, and I think an important part of what we offer.”
While Mr Morgan has appealed the decision, which is currently being held at the moment, but admits he has no idea when the decision will be made.
In a statement, the firm said it “must look to strengthen and review its strategies” in explaining his departure.
Mr Morgan has highlighed messages of support on social networking site Twitter by republishing messages of support and outrage from Morgan employees and fans.
The company, which is on course to sell 1,200 cars this year, remains 100 per cent family-owned, and Mr Morgan retains a stake in the business.
Mr Morgan, who worked for ITN as a cameraman for 10 years before joining the company in 1985, said customers wanted the continuity of having a Morgan at the helm.
He said: “Seventy per cent of our customers are foreign, and particularly in somewhere like China they are not really buying the car, they are buying the lifestyle. I try to represent that lifestyle, and the Britishness of driving a Morgan.” He added: “I am in the middle of it. Most of the customers would like to see continuity from HFS (founder Henry Frederick Stanley Morgan), to my father Peter, to me.
“And my record with the company has been introducing the Aero and then the AeroMax, and some exciting things, then bringing out the new 3 Wheeler.”
The board of parent group Morgan Technologies said in a statement that Mr Morgan was no longer on the board.
It adds: “The Morgan family recognises the management contribution that Charles has made to the family business as strategy director, and confirm that he remains a shareholder.
“However, to ensure continuing success, Morgan must look to strengthen and review its strategies, and acknowledge that our management team are better placed to steer the company in the future.
“We wish to thank our past, present and future customers for supporting our craftsmen and women, and for ensuring that our unique family owned business succeeds for another 100 years.”
