TRIBUTES have been pouring in after the death of a giant of the car industry, following "a tragic incident near his home".

Marshall Motor Group said in a Tweet on Friday: "We are deeply saddened to have to inform you of the sudden passing of our chairman, Professor Richard Parry-Jones, following a tragic incident near his home in Wales.

"As you will appreciate, we are all very shocked by this tragic and sudden news."

North Wales Police said on Friday that a 69-year-old man had died in an incident on private land near Barmouth involving a tractor.

Mr Parry-Jones also ran a hotel, Coes Faen, in Barmouth.

"Richard absolutely loved working at Marshall," the spokesperson added. "He felt it was a very special place with a great culture and was so excited about the future for the Group. We were so fortunate to have him as our chairman.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time."

A former vice-president of Ford, tributes to Mr Parry-Jones included this from Ford executive chairman Bill Ford: "Richard Parry-Jones was a rare talent who left an indelible mark on Ford and the industry. As an engineer, he was a virtuoso with an uncanny feel for creating cars that were dynamic and incredibly fun to drive.

"I can tell you that going on a test drive with him was not for the faint of heart.

"His passion for great cars and love of motoring inspired legions of engineers and enthusiasts in Europe and around the world," he said in a statement on Friday.

"Richard will be deeply missed and our heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

He was non-executive chairman at Marshall Motor Holdings PLC. Its website states: "Richard has had a long and distinguished career in the automotive industry. He spent over 30 years in senior executive positions at Ford Motor Company, including Group Vice President of Global Product Development and served as its Chief Technical Officer for 10 years.

Richard’s non-executive career has included positions working with the Government as Co-Chair of the UK Automotive Council andas Chairman of Network Rail.