Mercedes-Benz names Jason Hoff to newly created position of North America CEO

STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz said on Tuesday it has appointed Jason Hoff to the newly created role of North America CEO, effective May 1 as the German maker looks to strengthen its focus on the US, its second-largest market.

Hoff, currently head of quality for Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans, will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the German luxury carmaker in the US.

The company, which exports high-end vehicles and sedans to the US from Europe, said it is consolidating its research and development, sales and marketing activities in the US under the new role.

Mercedes, which operates a global SUV manufacturing hub in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, reported strong US sales last year, with 324,500 passenger cars and 49,600 vans sold.

"This new position will ensure continued growth and increased synergies in the U.S. by bundling our activities and subsidiaries under one roof," said Ola Kaellenius, Mercedes-Benz Group AG's CEO.

Mercedes-Benz CFO Harald Wilhelm said last month the carmaker would localise more production at its Tuscaloosa plant to shield itself from potential tariffs.

A company spokesman declined to comment on how the company's US operations would change under Hoff's leadership.