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> Hyundai Motor America CEO replaced!
elantragt
post Dec 28 2013, 09:34 PM
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In a complete surprise, Hyundai Motor America CEO, John Krafcik is stepping down. He'll be replaced by the current executive vice president of sales, David Zuchowski, effective January 1, 2014. Speculation is that his bosses in Korea weren't happy with the mileage fiasco and subsequent legal issues. Hyundai has also been losing market share recently.

Here's the press release from Hyundai:

QUOTE
DAVE ZUCHOWSKI NAMED PRESIDENT/CEO OF HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

COSTA MESA, Calif., December 27, 2013 - Hyundai Motor America today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik will step down upon the successful completion of his contract on December 31, 2013. David Zuchowski, executive vice president of Sales, will assume the position of President and CEO effective January 1, 2014.

"On behalf of Hyundai Motor Company, we sincerely thank John for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, which has driven Hyundai's record growth over the past five years," said Im Tak Uk, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Company. "John's forward-looking perspective, commitment to quality and design, and pursuit of innovative new product offerings have elevated the Hyundai brand and introduced our vehicles to a new generation of satisfied and loyal customers."

Under Krafcik's tenure with the automaker, Hyundai Motor America experienced dramatic increases in sales volume and market share, while garnering numerous prestigious industry awards. During the same time period, the model year 2009 Genesis and 2012 Elantra took top honors as North American Car of the Year, while numerous Hyundai models received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick designation.

"It's been a sincere privilege and honor to lead Hyundai Motor America over the past five years, and I am confident that with Dave's succession, our brand will continue to expand and thrive for years to come," said Krafcik. "We have many of the best and brightest employees in the business coupled with a committed and talented dealer network that will continue to pay dividends."

Incoming President and CEO David Zuchowski joined Hyundai Motor America in February 2007 as vice president of Sales with responsibility for all sales, sales operations, market representation, field operations and overall dealer relations. A proven 33-year veteran of the automotive industry, Zuchowski was previously with Mazda North America, where he served as vice president of Sales and Field Operations. Zuchowski began his career in 1980 at Ford Motor Company, where he progressed through various executive-level positions including regional manager, product marketing manager, national merchandising manager and field operations manager for the Ford and Lincoln Mercury divisions. Zuchowski earned his Bachelors of Arts in Communications from the University of Washington.

"I am both humbled and excited to lead Hyundai Motor America into the next chapter by continuing to build on John's great legacy, and focusing on what matters most – building the highest quality, safest and most diverse fleet of models that customers love," said Zuchowski.

"Dave has consistently distinguished himself as a results-oriented and motivational leader in our industry," said Im. "During his time at Hyundai, Dave has been instrumental in our growth, especially among our dealers. He exhibits a rare combination of passion, intelligence, creativity and diligence, and we are confident that he is the right choice to build on John's momentum and take Hyundai to new and greater heights."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA


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Alex2013GT
post Dec 28 2013, 09:59 PM
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Hmmm I'm sure there'll be plenty of speculation as to the reason. Seems overall the brand has definitely taken leaps forward over the last 5 years. I'll be curious to see how this change impacts Hyundai in the future.


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Current Car: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, 6 spd manual w/ the style and tech packages
Previous Hyundai's: 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE in Venetian Red; 2006 Hyundai Sonata GLS, 3.3L V-6 in Ebony Black; 2004 Elantra GT, 5 spd manual in tidal wave blue
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Red Elantra GT
post Dec 28 2013, 10:48 PM
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Hey-Either he or Hyundai decided not to renew his contract. Or both. His replacement knows the company and will most likely bring new ideas to the marketplace. I doubt the EPA mileage situation had much or anything to do with the change.


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Vinnie
Vinnie
post Jan 5 2014, 11:54 AM
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Crazy, there's been a bunch of turn over in hyundai at the exec level the past year. Hope they innovate and keep moving forward.


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