September 30, 2023
Car Culture
Foundation Direct Hires Exec
Staff Writer
February 03, 2021
Foundation Direct, a new technology and consulting company serving automotive marketers, announced Michael Heidner as their new vice president of strategy and business development. Heidner joins Foundation Direct from Google, where he led Automotive Research.
“Remaining ahead of industry trends by maintaining a deep understanding of auto shoppers’ changing behaviors — especially in light of the last year of change — is crucial to our success as a company, and our dealers’ success winning customers online,” said co-founder Andrew Diffenderfer. “He has analyzed the consumer journey data of hundreds of thousands of auto shoppers across hundreds of digital and traditional touchpoints.”
Foundation Direct’s CEO, Peter Leto added, “While you might not recognize his name, you’ve seen his work — represented on keynote stages across events like Digital Dealer, NADA, J.D. Power Auto Revolution, and more. We are excited to add him to our team as we continue to evolve our technology and the media strategies we use to connect dealers to buyers.”
Heidner holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in business analytics from the University of Michigan.
Hyundai Chief Legal Officer Retires
Staff Writer
January 28, 2021
W. Gerald (Jerry) Flannery, executive vice president and chief legal officer at Hyundai Motor America, will retire on March 1, following 34 successful years at the company. Flannery’s distinguished career has been an integral part of Hyundai’s U.S. business success story and continued evolution.
“Since nearly the start of Hyundai selling vehicles in the U.S., Jerry has been a trusted counselor and passionate advocate of the brand and our customers,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Jerry’s contributions to Hyundai are endless. We wouldn’t be the company we are today without his vision, leadership and integrity.”
Flannery joined Hyundai in 1987 as senior corporate counsel just two years after Hyundai established operations in the U.S. Flannery also served as the vice president, general counsel and was elevated to chief legal officer in 2003. He is widely recognized as an authority on automotive product liability, regulatory and safety matters and established Hyundai’s U.S. safety office in 2016. Flannery also stepped in as interim president and CEO through most of 2017.
“It’s been the honor of my career to help Hyundai build and grow its U.S. business,” said Flannery.
Flannery serves as a member of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Foundation Board of Directors and was a founding member of the Hyundai Cancer Initiative at CHOC. Hyundai will immediately commence a search to fill this critical leadership position.
Lightning Appoints New CFO
Staff Writer
January 13, 2021
Lightning eMotors, a provider of commercial electric vehicles for fleets, announced Teresa Covington as its new chief financial officer. Covington will join Lightning’s senior leadership team and lead the company’s finance and investor relations teams as it transitions to being a public company as a result of its announced business combination with GigCapital3, Inc.
“Teresa has more than 25 years of hands-on senior financial leadership in public and private engineering-driven manufacturing companies, ranging from small venture-backed startups to large Fortune 500 companies,” said Tim Reeser, chief executive officer, Lightning eMotors. “Her experience as a leader, as a public company CFO, and her passion for technology and experience in operations will be instrumental in helping us to grow our business.”
Covington earned her master’s in business administration from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a master’s in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California.
Kia Reveals New Logo
Staff Writer
January 07, 2021
Kia has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify the automaker’s bold transformation and all-new brand purpose. The introduction of the new logo represents Kia’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.
The logo is a symbol of Kia’s new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. Kia seals its brand promise by developing the new logo to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line of the logo conveys Kia’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers.
“Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”
The new logo was unveiled during a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. This set a new Guinness World Record for “Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously.”
Black Book Appoints SVP
Staff Writer
January 06, 2021
Black Book, a provider of automotive vehicle pricing and analytical services, announces the appointment of Rene Abdalah to the newly created position of senior vice president, business development. In this role, Abdalah will work closely with vehicle manufacturers, captive finance companies, lenders and other automotive-related companies in the United States and Canada to deliver industry-leading data and analytical solutions.
“With the addition of Rene and his broad automotive and automotive finance background, along with his keen understanding of collateral, risk modeling, and residual forecasting,” said Jared Kalfus, Black Book executive vice president, “we affirm our commitment to our customer base to deliver the most comprehensive data sets, created and powered by the industry’s leading team.”
Abdalah joins Black Book from GM Financial, where he served as vice president of economic risk and residual management. Prior to GM, Abdalah spent 16 years leading RVI Group’s passenger vehicle and analytical services business units.
“I’ve gotten to know the team at Black Book very well and am impressed by their passion for customers and our industry,” said Abdalah. “Their advancements in data, analytics and market analysis are best in class and I’m honored to join this iconic institution.”
Motorcar Parts of America Adds Board Member
Staff Writer
January 05, 2021
Motorcar Parts of America Inc. announced the appointment of Jamy Rankin to its board of directors -- reflecting the company’s strong commitment to board diversity and solid corporate governance policies.
The Motorcar Parts of America board now consists of 10 directors, nine of whom are independent.
Rankin, 57, most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Ford Component Sales LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company -- overseeing component sales to other original equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket industry.
Rankin serves on the board of Bronner Brothers Inc., one of the largest private African American hair and skin care product producers in the United States. She was a longtime member of the board of visitors at Howard University School of Business.
Rankin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing and strategy from the University of Chicago.
Polaris Appoints Interim CFO
Staff Writer
January 04, 2021
Polaris announced its Board of Directors appointed Michael Speetzen, Polaris’ executive vice president and chief financial officer, to serve as interim chief executive officer. John Wiehoff, the company’s lead independent director, has been appointed Chair of the Board; and Bob Mack, Polaris’ senior vice president of corporate development & strategy and president of global adjacent markets and boats, has been appointed interim chief financial officer. Each of these appointments will be effective Jan. 1, 2021 and follow the previously announced departure of Chairman and CEO Scott Wine at the end of the year.
“We appreciate Mike and Bob taking on these expanded roles while we progress our CEO search,” Wiehoff said. “In addition to leading the company’s finance organization and expertly managing the liquidity of Polaris during this global pandemic, Mike has helped shape and drive key growth initiatives, including Polaris’ digital transformation and productivity enhancements. Bob’s operational accomplishments and financial experience leading Polaris’ M&A and corporate development strategy are well-suited to advance Polaris’ strong financial foundation.”
FCA Exec Retires
Staff Writer
December 28, 2020
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. announced that Linda Knoll, its chief human resources officer, has elected to retire after nearly three decades of service.
In a distinguished career, honed also in the predecessor companies of FCA and at CNH Industrial, Knoll has served in a number of wide-ranging senior leadership roles since first joining the Fiat Group in 1994.
Knoll is one of the longest-serving members of the company’s Group Executive Council (GEC), which was formed in 2011 as the highest executive decision-making body within FCA, responsible for reviewing the operating performance of the business, making key strategic decisions and sharing best practices, including the development and deployment of key human resources.
FCA will continue to benefit from Knoll’s counsel and experience until the closing of the merger with Peugeot S.A. (Groupe PSA) and the creation of Stellantis, which is expected to take place by the end of the first quarter of 2021.
After her retirement from the company, Knoll will serve as an adviser to EXOR, FCA’s reference shareholder. She will also remain on the Board of Comau as it prepares to become a publicly listed company.
“Linda has been pivotal in strengthening our global Human Resources operations and played a fundamental role in our success,” said Mike Manley, chief executive officer of FCA. “On behalf of all FCA employees and the many colleagues with whom she has worked so closely, I want to express our warm thanks to Linda for her dedication, leadership and tireless service to our company.”
DealerSocket Appoints COO
Staff Writer
December 22, 2020
DealerSockethttps, a SaaS provider to the automotive industry, announced the appointment of Byron McDuffee as chief operating officer (COO). The 22-year automotive industry veteran will oversee DealerSocket’s operations, customer success and support, corporate development, strategy, vendor management, and analytics teams.
“Byron is an accomplished auto industry leader, and we are excited to welcome him to DealerSocket and our executive team,” said DealerSocket CEO Sejal Pietrzak. “Byron has strong experience in leading global teams, creating successful growth strategies, optimizing processes, and driving analytics. He has a dealer-first customer service approach and a keen focus on building a strong company culture and positive employee engagement.”
McDuffee previously served as senior vice president and general manager of automotive services at Equifax, where he led and managed all aspects of the automotive business. McDuffee also served in a variety of leadership roles at CDK Global.
“I’m excited to join DealerSocket, an organization whose goals are so closely aligned with my experience and passion for this great industry,” said McDuffee, who officially joined DealerSocket in November.
AutoNation Names New Board Member
Staff Writer
December 16, 2020
AutoNation Inc. announced that its Board of Directors appointed Norman Jenkins to the AutoNation Board, effective Dec. 14. Jenkins will serve as an independent director.
“We are pleased to have Norman join the AutoNation Board,” said Mike Jackson, AutoNation’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We look forward to the experience and insight that he will bring to the Board.”
Jenkins is president and chief executive officer of Capstone Development, a privately held firm he founded in 2009. Capstone develops and acquires commercial and multi-family real estate, with significant expertise in public-private partnerships and developing hospitality real estate that is generally affiliated with international lodging brands. Prior to launching Capstone, Jenkins was a senior executive and corporate officer of Marriott International Inc. He currently serves on the board of directors of Duke Realty and New Senior Investment Group, and he is a member of the Washington, D.C. Developer Roundtable. and the Howard University Board of Trustees. Jenkins earned a BA in Accounting from Howard University, an MBA from George Washington University and is a certified public accountant.
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Alliance Waco Announces New GM
Staff Writer
December 14, 2020
Alliance Auto Auctions announced earlier this week the promotion of Christina Thomas to general manager of the Alliance Waco location.
“Once again, we get to see an individual that has worked hard, proven themselves and grown through our ranks to take a step into a bigger leadership role,” said Christopher Dean, COO of Alliance. “We are so excited and proud to announce that Christina Thomas will be our next general manager”.
Thomas started in the auction business in 2005 at ADESA. She began in Tele-Sales as a temporary employee and worked her way to a permanent position. She was later promoted to a supervisory role and eventually a tele-sales regional manager. During her tenure in her supervisory roles, she worked for Tim Adams when he managed both Shreveport and Dallas.
“I want to point out that Christina was the very first employee that Tim Adams, CEO of Alliance referred, and I hired her in Dallas shortly after I got on the ground,” added Dean.
Thomas said she was “very excited and humbled” for the promotion and opportunity,
“Christina has a tremendous work ethic and is one of the hardest working individuals that you will meet in this industry,” Adams said. “She is very trustworthy and dedicated and will always go above and beyond and do whatever the company needs and will do it with a great attitude.”
Toyota Makes Executive Changes
Staff Writer
December 14, 2020
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) announces executive changes to its operations, effective January 4, 2021.
Toshio Niimi, currently general manager at Toyota Motor Corporation's (TMC) plants in Honsha and Kinuura, Japan, will take on the new role of executive vice president, Production Engineering and Manufacturing, TMNA. Niimi will have responsibilities for all aspects of Toyota's North American production engineering operations and 15 manufacturing vehicle, engine and parts plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including its joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021. He also will serve on TMNA's North American Executive Committee and report to Tetsuo "Ted" Ogawa, president and CEO, TMNA.
Tadahisa Isono, current executive vice president, production engineering, will return to TMC as chief project leader of the global rebuild plan and sustainable development Goals in the production group. In his new role, Isono will oversee production engineering in advanced R&D and engineering company, Toyota Compact Car Company, Mid-size Vehicle Company, Commercial Vehicle Company, and Lexus International Company.
Lisa Materazzo, who currently serves as vice president of Lexus Marketing, TMNA, is being promoted to group vice president, Toyota Marketing. Materazzo replaces Ed Laukes, who announced his retirement in November. In this role, Materazzo will have responsibilities for all Toyota division market planning, advertising, merchandising, sales promotions, incentives, NASCAR and motorsports, and all social and digital media. She will report to David Christ, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, TMNA.
Tom Stricker, who currently serves as vice president of Product Regulatory Affairs, TMNA, is being promoted to group vice president, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs. In this role, Stricker will have responsibilities for Toyota's U.S.-based environmental sustainability and regulatory affairs, motor vehicle safety regulations and enterprise chemical management. Stricker's team also will provide technical support for Toyota's legislative affairs and media relations.
Monte Kaehr, who currently serves as the Toyota Sienna chief engineer, TMNA, is being promoted to group vice president, advanced mobility research & development. In this role, Kaehr will have responsibilities for technical strategy and planning of advanced mobility solutions. Kaehr joined Toyota in 1992 as a design engineer in Japan and moved to Toyota's North American R&D division in 1998 where he progressed through a series of positions in body engineering and product development. He also previously served as the Toyota Camry chief engineer for the North America region. Kaehr will report to Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president, research & development, TMNA.
Jeff Makarewicz, who currently serves as group vice president, advanced mobility R&D, TMNA, is assigned as group vice president and executive advisor, R&D and Corporate Strategy & Planning. Makarewicz will report to Shinichi Yasui, executive vice president, R&D, TMNA.
Edward Mantey, who currently serves as executive advisor R&D and corporate strategy & planning, TMNA, is retiring after more than 29 years of service, effective January 29, 2021.
John Kennelly, who currently serves as group vice president, One Toyota Competitiveness, TMNA, is retiring after more than 16 years of service, effective January 29, 2021.
Atlis Expands Leadership Team
Staff Writer
December 09, 2020
Atlis Motor Vehicles (ATLIS), a mobility technology company that is developing an electric work truck and the batteries and motors to drive it, announced the addition of two new members to its leadership team. The Atlis team is comprised of experts in multiple disciplines, such as mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data sciences, and software development.
Rob Healey, ATLIS’s new general manager of energy, and Jack Al Ferzly, the company’s new lead engineer and project manager for the energy team, each bring more than 20 years of automotive industry and battery technology development experience to ATLIS. Both Healey and Ferzly have worked in a variety of roles at General Motors, BMW, Electrify America, Byton, and A123 Systems.
Mark Hanchett, ATLIS chief executive officer and founder, whose background is in law enforcement technology development, has built a team of experts from a wide range of industries, including automotive, animal medicine, human defense, mining, military, security and defense, transportation and logistics, publishing, real estate, and plastics manufacturing.
The ATLIS leadership team also includes: President Annie Pratt; Huda Almashhadany, head of battery development; Chris Dawson, head of XP Platform; lead engineer and project manager for the energy team; Rob Mandrov, vice president of operations; Tamica Sears, vice president of talent and Will Rudolphi, director of investor relations.
Ford Wins CPO Awards
Staff Writer
December 09, 2020
The 8th annual Vincentric Best Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Value in America Awards were announced this week, with Ford taking home eight model-level awards, more than any other brand. Toyota and Honda also showed strong value in the CPO market by earning four model-level awards each.
Ford’s model-level strength paid strong dividends as the organization also earned two brand-level awards. Ford took home the Best CPO Value Truck brand award for the second time, aided by strong showings from the Ranger and F-350. A best-in-class performance by Ford Vans propelled the brand to the top of the podium and earned Ford the Best CPO Value Van brand award for the fifth consecutive year.
Four-time brand winners included Honda for Best CPO Value Passenger Car brand, aided by a strong performance from the Civic sedan and hatchback; Audi for Best CPO Value Luxury Car, with wins for the TT and S5; and Lincoln for Best CPO Value Luxury SUV & Crossover brand. Toyota was the final brand winner for Best CPO Value SUV & Crossover brand, aided by wins for the C-HR and Highlander Hybrid that led Toyota to its second brand award in this category.
Other brands with multiple model-level victories included Lexus with three awards and Subaru with two awards. Brands with one model-level winner were Dodge, GMC, Infiniti, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, and Volvo.
To determine the 2021 Vincentric Best CPO Value in America Award winners, Vincentric conducted a statistical analysis to reveal which vehicles had lower than expected ownership costs given their market segment and price. Vincentric analyzed over 15,000 vehicle configurations using eight cost factors: depreciation, fees & taxes, financing, fuel, insurance, maintenance, opportunity cost, and repairs. The costs were measured after incorporating the specific CPO warranty offered by the manufacturer while also applying mileage requirements necessary to be authorized as an OEM CPO vehicle. Each CPO vehicle was evaluated in all 50 states plus Washington D.C., with the assumption that each would be driven 15,000 miles annually over five years.
