William Maley

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com November 2, 2012 Back in September, we reported that Ford would move Mark Fields, the brand's president of the Americas to the post of Chief Operating Officer. This would place Fields right behind CEO Alan Mulally in the succession plan. This was supposed to take place at a board meeting during the month. This didn't happen at that month's meeting. So it comes as a surprise that almost two months after this news, Ford has come out and announced that starting December 1st, Mark Fields will officially become the new Chief Operating Officer. This news came out yesterday during a surprise conference call with CEO Mulally and executive chairman, Bill Ford. The call also revealed that Mulally will will remain CEO "at least" through 2014. There was some other appointments announced on the call. Those are, Joe Hinrichs becomes executive vice president and president of The Americas. Jim Farley becomes the executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln Stephen Odell becomes executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa David Schoch becomes group vice president and president of Asia Pacific John Lawler is elected a Ford Motor Company vice president and becomes chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China Source: Ford William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 Ford Says Mulally to Remain as President and CEO through at Least 2014; Chief Operating Officer and Senior Leaders named for Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Lincoln brand DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 1, 2012 – Ford Motor Company is further strengthening and developing its leadership team while continuing to deliver the One Ford plan for profitable growth. Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford today said that Alan Mulally plans to continue to serve as Ford president and CEO through at least 2014. At the same time, Mark Fields is named the company's new chief operating officer, effective Dec. 1. Mulally will continue leading the long-term strategic development of the One Ford plan and its continuous improvement. Fields will be responsible for all business operations. Fields will continue to report to Mulally, as will the company's chief financial officer, general counsel and group vice president of Human Resources and Corporate Services. Ford's automotive business units – The Americas (including both North America and South America); Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia Pacific – will report to Fields. Also reporting to Fields will be most of the company's functional skill teams, including Product Development; Manufacturing and Labor Affairs; Purchasing; Quality; Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering; Information Technology; Government and Community Relations; Marketing, Sales and Service; and Communications. The company also made several other concurrent leadership announcements, also effective Dec. 1, including: - Joe Hinrichs is named executive vice president and president of The Americas; Hinrichs is currently group vice president and president of Asia Pacific Africa - Stephen Odell is named executive vice president and president of Europe, Middle East and Africa; Odell is currently group vice president, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe; Africa is being realigned with Europe and the Middle East under Odell to take advantage of profitable growth opportunities and efficiencies - Jim Farley is named executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln; Farley, who is currently a group vice president, adds operating responsibility as the senior global leader for Lincoln, working together with the company's business units and functions on the re-invention of Lincoln as a world- class, global luxury brand - David Schoch is named group vice president and president of Asia Pacific; Schoch is currently chairman and CEO, Ford of China - John Lawler is elected a Ford Motor Company vice president and named chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China; Lawler is currently CFO, Ford Asia Pacific Africa "Today marks an important next step in the profitable growth of the Ford Motor Company and the appointment of key leaders who will help us continue to make progress on our One Ford plan," Bill Ford said. "The strength of our people and stability of our team are competitive advantages for Ford. We are fortunate to have Alan's continued leadership as well as talented senior leaders throughout our company who are developing and working together and delivering on our plan." For the past seven years as executive vice president and president of The Americas, Fields has been responsible for the transformation of the company's North American operations and its record profitability. In the role, he has led the development, manufacturing, marketing and sales of Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. Hinrichs has led Ford's Asia Pacific growth plan for the past three years, overseeing the current construction of nine new plants and spearheading a commitment to bring more than 50 new vehicles and powertrains to the region by mid-decade. He now will apply his extensive business and automotive experience to Ford's Americas operations, focusing on continuing the momentum in North America and building a stronger business in South America. Odell is leading Ford's transformation in Europe, with a focus on using the One Ford plan to achieve profitable growth through an unprecedented focus on new products, a strong brand and increased cost efficiency. Having previously led the transformation of Mazda and Volvo, Odell will lead the company's focus on growth in Africa and the Middle East. Farley will continue to lead Ford's global Marketing, Sales and Service to world-class levels, focusing on new customers and revenue growth. His new global responsibility for the Lincoln brand will build on his experience growing Toyota's Lexus brand around the world. Schoch has been leading Ford's growth in China, where it has invested more than $4.9 billion to introduce 15 new vehicles by 2015 and double production capacity. With extensive operational experience in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, Schoch now will lead the company's growth plan for the entire region, having worked alongside Hinrichs for the past year. Lawler assumes leadership of Ford Motor China, having served as CFO for Asia Pacific Africa, working alongside Hinrichs and Schoch to develop and implement the company's aggressive growth plan in the region. Building on his considerable global operational experience – including being part of the team that led Ford's North American transformation – Lawler now will focus on the world's largest automotive market and the dramatic expansion of Ford's presence in China. "In addition to fundamentally transforming our company during the last several years, we have strengthened our team with world-class leaders who will enable us to sustain our One Ford journey," Mulally said. "All of us at Ford remain absolutely committed to continuing to make progress on our One Ford plan, including dealing decisively with near-term challenges, investing for future growth and developing outstanding products with leading quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value." Biographical information about each of the leaders is as follows: Mark Fields Prior to being named Ford executive vice president and president of Ford of The Americas in October 2005, Fields, 51, served as executive vice president, Ford of Europe and Premier Automotive Group (PAG). There, he led all activities for Ford's premium vehicle business group, and for Ford-brand vehicles manufactured and sold in European countries. Prior to that, Fields was chairman and CEO of PAG. Fields joined Ford in July 1989. From 2000 to 2002, he was president and CEO of Mazda Motor Company, leading the company through a period of significant transformation. He previously held a number of positions in both North America and South America, including managing director of Ford Argentina. Joe Hinrichs Hinrichs, 45, has headed Ford's Asia Pacific Africa region since December 2009. Prior to this role, Hinrichs served as group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs, responsible for the operations Ford assembly, stamping and powertrain plants worldwide and overseeing the company's global engineering support for stamping, vehicle and powertrain manufacturing. Hinrichs also was vice president, North America Manufacturing, vice president of Vehicle Operations and president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada. Prior to joining Ford in 2000, he was a partner and senior vice president of Ryan Enterprises Group, a manufacturing investment group in Chicago. Hinrichs also spent 10 years at General Motors in various positions in engineering and manufacturing, including plant manager. Stephen Odell Odell, 57, was appointed Ford group vice president, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe in August 2010. Prior to this, Odell was president and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation; chief operating officer, Ford of Europe; vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe; director and senior managing executive officer in charge of Marketing, Sales and Customer Services at Mazda; and vice president, Marketing and Sales, Jaguar North America. Odell joined Ford Motor Company in 1980 as a graduate trainee for Ford of Britain. Jim Farley Farley, 50, became Ford's first global leader for Marketing, Sales and Service in August 2010. He joined Ford in November 2007. Farley has led Ford's drive to connect closely with customers through integrated global marketing, advertising, digital, brand development and research. Prior to joining Ford, Farley was group vice president and general manager of Lexus, responsible for sales, marketing and customer satisfaction activities for Toyota's Lexus luxury brand. Before leading Lexus, Farley served as group vice president of Toyota Division marketing and was responsible for all Toyota Division market planning, advertising, merchandising, sales promotion, incentives and Internet activities. He also was general manager of product management for Toyota Europe. David Schoch Schoch, 61, has held senior leadership positions on four continents, most recently as chairman and CEO of Ford Motor China, a position to which he was named in November 2011. Schoch's extensive global experience includes senior leadership roles in North America, South America, South Africa and Asia Pacific. This includes serving as controller, The Americas, as well as executive director, Ford Canada, Mexico and South America Operations. He also served as chief financial officer and vice president of Strategic Planning for Ford of Europe. Before that, Schoch was chief financial officer of Ford Asia Pacific Operations. He joined the company as a financial analyst in 1977. John Lawler Lawler, 46, became the chief financial officer, Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, in June 2010. Lawler has a wealth of experience in business strategy, particularly related to market analysis, pricing strategy and product programs. He was a member of the team that led the company's North American transformation, serving as controller of U.S. Marketing and Sales from January 2007 until moving to China in 2010. In the U.S. position, he was responsible for key business strategies including pricing and business planning, and was a key leader in the company's efforts to reduce complexity and overhaul dealer policies. Prior to that assignment, Lawler served in a variety of roles in North America, Europe and Asia. His assignments included serving as a controller in Ford of Europe's Product Development organization and as a finance leader with Mazda Motor Corporation in Japan. He joined Ford as a financial analyst in 1990. View full article

CYPRESS, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today reported October sales of the Outlander Sport were up 17.9 percent compared to the same month in 2011. Outlander Sport sales were 1,675 for the month, the second highest monthly total ever for the fuel efficient CUV, manufactured in Normal, Illinois. The monthly total was only exceeded by that of September 2012. For the January to September year-to-date, Outlander Sport sales are up 7.4 percent. "We are pleased at the consistent growth of the Outlander Sport, our top seller in the U.S," said MMNA President & CEO Yoichi Yokozawa. "This demonstrates that customers looking for a fuel-efficient CUV certainly have the Outlander Sport on their shopping list." For the current 2013 model year, Outlander Sport received numerous new improvements including enhanced exterior styling and interior design features. Overall Mitsubishi sales were 3,981 units, down 9.1 percent compared to October 2011. That total however is impacted by models that ended their production in 2011. Total sales of models currently in production were up 7.0 percent for the month compared to October 2011. View full article

BREA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today reported October 2012 sales of 2,023 units, a 5% increase from October 2011. The newly refreshed Grand Vitara contributed to a 64% increase month over month, while SX4 sales remained steady with a 13% growth. View full article

Volvo Announces October Sales ROCKLEIGH, N.J. (Nov. 1, 2012) - Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) reported U.S. sales of 4,200 units, a 14.3 percent decrease from October 2011. Year-to-date sales are down 2.2 percent over the first ten months of 2011. The top seller for the month was the XC60 crossover with 1,562 units sold, an 82.1 percent increase from October 2011. New Volvo buyers benefit from Volvo's Safe + Secure Coverage Plan. A complimentary program, Safe + Secure wraps a comprehensive list of benefits into one package. Specifically, it provides: 5 years/50,000 miles of New Car Warranty 5 years/50,000 miles of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance 5 years/50,000 miles of Wear and Tear Coverage 5 years/Unlimited miles of Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance. View full article

COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America today announced sales of 50,271 vehicles in October, a four percent total sales decline compared with the same record-setting period a year ago. Sales are up 8.2 percent through the first 10 months of the year versus 2011. "October was a somewhat challenging month for us and the industry," said Dave Zuchowski, executive vice president of sales. "It appears industry volume may have temporarily stalled due to a blend of an extremely tight and undecided Presidential race, lingering economic uncertainty tied to 'fiscal cliff' anxiety, and the devastating impact Hurricane Sandy had on our dealers and millions of residents along the Eastern seaboard." The all-new Azera and the Elantra family continued to gain, with sales up 1,949 percent and 12 percent, respectively, over last October. The all-new 2013 Santa Fe, recently crowned the "2012 Compact CUV of Texas" by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA), saw sales gains of 16 percent. Hyundai fleet sales and mix remained low at a 10 percent mix for the month and nine percent year-to-date, among the lowest in the industry. "The good news is that as we head into the last two months of the year, our Hyundai dealers have improved availability of our three best-selling models -- Sonata, Elantra, and Santa Fe – thanks to the hard work of our U.S. manufacturing team," said John Krafcik, president and CEO. "We'll also continue to work with our dealers in areas impacted by Sandy to ensure vehicles lost to the storm are replaced as quickly as possible." View full article

CHERRY HILL, N.J., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today reported 26,119 sales for the month of October, a 30 percent increase over October 2011. The company also announced record breaking annual sales of 271,582 – a 26 percent increase over 2011. This represents a historic high for Subaru of America. Subaru sales for 2012 have surpassed the previous sales record of 266,989 vehicles set just last year. This marks the company's fifth year of sales growth and fourth successive sales record. Year-to-date sales for Impreza have increased 165 percent over 2011. Year-to-date sales for newly-refreshed Outback and Legacy models have increased 14 percent and 12 percent, respectively. "Subaru is celebrating a year of records; we couldn't be more thrilled with our results," said Thomas J. Doll, executive vice president and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. "The year isn't over yet and we expect XV Crosstrek sales will help drive even greater momentum throughout the remainder of the year." "With strong product and a strong retail network, we are poised to exceed sales of 320,000 vehicles this year," said Bill Cyphers, senior vice president of sales, Subaru of America, Inc. View full article

Toyota Motor Sales Reports Increase In October Sales TORRANCE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported October 2012 sales results of 155,242 units, an increase of 15.8 percent compared to the same period last year on both a daily selling rate (DSR) and a raw volume basis. The Toyota Division posted October total sales of 135,392 units, an increase of 16.8 percent on a DSR basis from October 2011. The Lexus Division reported total sales of 19,850 units, up 9.7 percent. “Our main focus is on those dealing with the after effects of Hurricane Sandy and supporting the recovery efforts,” said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “Despite the impact of Sandy, October was a solid month for Toyota and the industry, and we look for the market to remain strong in the months ahead.” Toyota has announced a $1 million donation to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to support relief efforts and is taking steps to assist owners affected by the hurricane. Beginning today, Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Lexus Financial Services will launch a “Customer Outreach” campaign to lease and retail customers who may need to take advantage of payment relief options, including extensions and lease deferred payments, redirecting billing statements, and arranging phone or on-line payments. In addition, the company will announce a 90-day Deferred First Payment Program designed to assist consumers in the most impacted states with their transportation needs as they work through the recovery process. Toyota Division Toyota Division passenger cars recorded combined monthly sales of 77,520 units, up 24.0 percent from October 2011. Car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid with combined sales of 29,926 units. Corolla recorded October sales of 20,949. The Prius family of vehicles posted October sales of 16,774 units. Toyota Division light trucks recorded October sales of 57,872 units, an increase of 8.3 percent compared to the same month last year. Truck sales were led by the Tacoma mid-size pickup truck and RAV4 compact SUV with monthly sales of 12,191 and 10,936, respectively. Highlander and Highlander Hybrid reported combined monthly sales of 8,909 units, and the Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 8,086 units. Scion posted October sales of 5,887 units, up 49 percent over October 2011 largely due to strong sales of the recently introduced FR-S sports car, which posted sales of 1,107 units. Lexus Division Lexus reported passenger car sales of 11,647 units, up 15.2 percent from October 2011. The ES 350 entry luxury sedan and the first-ever ES Hybrid led Lexus passenger car sales with combined sales of 5,971 units. The GS mid-size luxury sedan posted sales of 1,521, up 471.8 percent. Lexus luxury utility vehicles recorded sales of 8,203 units, up 2.8 percent over October 2011. Sales were led by the RX and RX Hybrid luxury utility vehicle, which posted combined October sales of 6,928 units. TMS Hybrids TMS posted October hybrid vehicle sales of 24,065, an increase of 69.7 percent compared to the same period last year. Toyota Division posted October sales of 20,273 hybrids, while Lexus Division reported sales of 3,792 hybrids for the month. View full article

MONTVALE, N.J., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today reported record October sales of 23,978 for its Mercedes-Benz models, up 5.9%, delivering a record year-to-date total of 215,596 new vehicles to customers, up 11.9%. Combined sales of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles, smart and Sprinter for the month totaled a record for MBUSA overall with sales of 26,642, up 9.0%, bringing the year-to-date total to 240,973 up 15.8%. "Despite the challenges of a storm of this magnitude and the incredible hardship in the Northeast, our strongest market, we managed to achieve another record month," said Steve Cannon, president and CEO, MBUSA. "We're still optimistic about ending this year with the highest sales in our history." Mercedes-Benz sales for the month of October were led by the C-, E- and GLK-Class model lines. The sporty C-Class – the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand on the car side for younger and first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers – took the lead with sales of 7,636, up 7.8%. The 9th generation E-Class followed with sales of 5,265 and MBUSA's restyled compact SUV, the GLK-Class, rounded out the top three with sales of 2,943 up 18.0%. Additionally, the sporty SLK roadster sold 435 vehicles for the month, up 105.2%. At the high end, the all-new iconic sixth generation 2013 SL roadster – which debuted in showrooms this past spring -- posted sales of 574 yielding an increase of 567.4% and the 28 SLS AMG supercars sold this month made for a 115.4% increase over the same period last year. On a year-to-date basis, top performers were the C-Class with 65,376, the E-Class with 50,061 and the M-Class with 29,966. Sales of the high-performance AMG models were up 35.5% for the year at 5,512 compared to the 4,069 vehicles sold over the same time last year. Sales of the company's BlueTEC diesel models were up 14.2% for the year at 12,142 compared to the 10,630 diesels sold over the same period last year. The company's smart brand continued twelve consecutive months of sales increases. October sales of 998, were a 205.2% increase over October 2011 (327), bringing the year-to-date volume to 8,309, up 443.8% when compared to the 1,528 vehicles sold by MBUSA last year. When compared to the combined Penske and MBUSA sales year-to-date last year (4,084), sales are up 103.5%. On the van side, Sprinter had a strong month with 1,666 vehicles sold in October, up 12.2% over last year and up 22.5% on a year-to-date basis. Separately, through the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned (MBCPO) program, MBUSA sold 6,732 vehicles in October; an increase of 20.8% when compared to October 2011 (sales of 5,571 vehicles). On a year-to-date basis, MBCPO sold 66,318 vehicles, an increase of 5.4% over the comparable period (with sales of 62,929 vehicles). View full article

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced best-ever October sales with 42,452 units sold, a 12.6-percent increase over the same period in 2011. October once again saw KMA's U.S.-built* vehicles – the Optima midsize sedan and Sorento CUV – take the top sales honors. Kia's year-to-date sales are up 17.8-percent over 2011. Awareness, perception and consideration for the Kia brand continue to improve through a series of high-profile partnerships and initiatives. In October, Kia debuted a new Optima ad campaign featuring NBA superstar and brand ambassador Blake Griffin, and unveiled four Justice League superhero-inspired custom cars at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. "The Kia brand continues to grow and mature in the U.S. market and with seven all-new and refreshed vehicles scheduled to arrive in showrooms in 2013, including the all-new 2014 Forte sedan and redesigned Sorento that will be unveiled at this month's Los Angeles Auto Show, Kia will continue its efforts to advance value to new levels of sophistication," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. View full article

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported October U.S. sales of 18,622 vehicles, representing an increase of 1.6 percent versus last year. Year-to-date sales through October are up 8.8 percent (8.4 percent DSR) versus last year, with 228,104 vehicles sold. Key October sales notes: Mazda2 celebrated its best-ever October, up 18 percent year-over-year with 1,124 vehicles sold. Mazda3 also achieved its best October ever with 9,518 vehicles sold, up 34 percent year-over-year. In particular, the SKYACTIV-equipped model represented 81.5 percent of all Mazda3 vehicles sold for the month. Sales of the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5 remain hot as it reported 3,778 sales while continuing to be inventory driven, with only 29 days of supply available. In the U.S., Mazda's total SKYACTIV® TECHNOLOGY vehicle sales for October (comprised of CX-5 and certain models of Mazda3) account for 61.9 percent of the company's total sales for the month. View full article