Seoul — Kia Motors Corporation announced today that it has appointed leading automotive industry designer Peter Schreyer, who designed world renown “cult” cars like the New Beetle and the Audi TT, to the newly created position of Chief Design Officer. Mr. Schreyer's appointment will complement Kia's significantly increasing emphasis on automobile design and support the ongoing regeneration of its model range.

Schreyer (53), who officially begins his new role on September 1, will oversee Kia's domestic and international design functions and will be responsible for implementing the company's design vision in line with its ‘exciting and enabling’ brand values that target a young-at-heart and adventurous target customer base. (more…)

Dearborn, MI — Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today announced that Jim Padilla will retire as the company's president and chief operating officer, effective July 1, and that his responsibilities will be assumed by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford through the chairing of a new Executive Operating Committee composed of the automaker's executive vice presidents. (more…)

BREA, CA — American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) today announced the additions of Gene Brown and Chuck Halper to its talented executive management team. With more than five decades combined of industry knowledge and experience, Brown and Halper arrive at ASMC at a time of record growth. In 2005, Suzuki sold 82,101 vehicles — the most in company history. This year, ASMC continues its impressive sales growth, selling an all-time monthly best 7,210 and 8,542 vehicles in January and February respectively. (more…)