Automotive News - March 31, 2008 - (Page 10)

10 • MARCH 31, 2008 AUTO PEOPLE Ford’s new boss in HR plans no major changes Amy Wilson awilson@crain.com Key Chrysler product developer resigns Felicia Fields: New HR chief Joe Laymon: Moves to Chevron Company denies Donoughe had rift with top execs Bradford Wernle bwernle@crain.com DETROIT — Ford Motor Co.’s new personnel chief says she expects to follow the strategy established by her mentor, departing executive Joe Laymon. “We’re not likely to make major changes,” Felicia Fields told Automotive News last week after being appointed Ford group vice president of human resources and corporate services. Fields, 42, replaces Laymon, 55, who is leaving Ford for a vice president position at Chevron Corp. Laymon’s appointment is effective immediately, Chevron said. Laymon said the appointment of Fields proves that Ford’s successionplanning process works. “She’s worked for and with me for eight years,” Laymon told Automotive News. “She’s been developed to do just this job.” Fields, who joined Ford in 1986, will report to CEO Alan Mulally. Ford is eliminating her former post as vice president of human resources, thereby trimming one corporate officer position. Fields received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s in administration from Central Michigan University. Mulally called Fields a “consummate HR professional” who “has the respect of the team companywide.”c Michael Donoughe was in charge of developing a new global mid-sized car platform for Chrysler. and chief engineer for Chrysler’s future mid-sized product team. James Issner replaced Chernoby as vice president of core components, process and international engineering. Louis Rhodes was named vice president of advance vehicle engineering. He adds that title to his responsibilities at ENVI, Chrysler’s unit responsible for electric cars and other advanced propulsion systems. Donoughe, 49, was regarded as one of Chrysler’s most talented engineers and had worked on both frontand rear-drive vehicle programs. Chrysler has made the development of a global mid-sized car platform a key priority in its restructuring efforts. The company’s current mid-sized cars, the Sebring and Avenger, have been critically panned.c Wagener to replace Pfeiffer as Mercedes design chief STUTTGART — Gorden Wagener will replace Mercedes-Benz design chief Peter Pfeiffer, who will retire in the middle of the year, the company announced last week. Wagener, 39, is currently in charge of Mercedes design studios in California and Japan and leads strategic advanced design at the carmaker. Pfeiffer turns 65 this year. He joined Mercedes-Benz in 1968 and became Peter Pfeiffer, who will retire in the middle of this year, has been head of design at Mercedes since 1999. head of design in 1999.c DETROIT — Barely two months after being named to a key product development post, one of Chrysler LLC’s top vehicle engineers has left the company. Last week, Michael Donoughe resigned his position heading Chrysler’s top-secret Project D, which was developing a new global midsized car platform to replace the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. Donoughe had been named to the post in January. Citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal reported that Donoughe left after clashing with senior management. In a statement, Chrysler denied any clash occurred. After Donoughe’s departure, the company made several changes in its product development department: Mark Chernoby was appointed to replace Donoughe as vice president http://www.Pick-n-ClickAds.com http://www.Pick-n-ClickAds.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Automotive News - March 31, 2008

Axle strike leads GM to alter production plan Industry expert Ferron joins Automotive News Group Hummer adds E85 models Lear expands in China Ford spills the beans on car seats Concern ... confidence ... curiosity — welcome to America, Tata Expect most Ford-bred executives to stay put Tip for Tata: Let British brands be British brands Dana CEO sees need for growth in Asia Chrysler: Any deal for partner would be done by Cerberus Farley retools Flex marketing strategy Malibu attracts import-minded buyers European purchasing execs to suppliers: Costs must fall Reynolds removes dealership modems New Saturn ads will promote Aura, Vue, Outlook This Spring Hill launch is a fraction of the first one GM works on small global car Hal Riney, Saturn campaign creator, dies Dealer sours on China importer Secret computer lets Nissan planner peek into future XM-Sirius merger: Lower prices, more choices? Key Chrysler product developer resigns Ford's new boss in HR plans no major changes Wagener to replace Pfeiffer as Mercedes design chief It's time to break the glass ceiling Autos don't cause all global warming Toyota plumbed the depths of Scion Customer loyalty is serious business Future bright for Tata brands Dauch sends wrong signals as Axle strike drags Yanase opened Japan to Western cars Fewer dealers, sure, but more brands What if Ahn falls short? Want to inspire Lori Queen? Just say no Hanwha to build GM Powertrain assembly line Toyota enters untapped Korea, home of Hyundai James O'Rourke Jr. Picture This -- March 31st, 2008 Lexus pays dealers for innovations Suppliers to the 2009 Dodge Journey Ricardo center has battery focus Howa USA opens interior parts plant in Kentucky N.Y. show suggests a future of smart powertrains, muscle BMW sees new models as sales saviors Ford contract has unique take on core jobs 6 more PACE-setters in auto innovation Buy-here, pay-here may grow Dealers Mercedes SL: A fresh face — with 1 flaw Ex-Chrysler design chief John Herlitz dead at 65 Future could be bright for Jag, Land Rover Land Rover in good shape, but challenges remain Fuel economy fines loom for Tata As segment shrinks, Chrysler minivan output takes a big dip Mercedes names 27 AMG dealers Continental to cut jobs Cobalt SS price: $22,995 Kia opens Ga. training center Nissan idles Mexico plant Plastech legal bill: $1 million for a month Magna will add 3 plants in Mexico El Camino diehards say Pontiac G8 should have been a Chevy No 2nd chance for Nasser, other Ford alums Buick grabs a name from the past After short list, a short stay for Laymon Lori Queen or Ellery Queen? Daimler's mum on BMW Southern supplier strategy Tracing the Camaro's bloodline Alfa searches for a U.S. factory

Automotive News - March 31, 2008

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