Toyota Europe to handle global product planning for small cars
By Julybien, 21 Dec, 2011. 0 Comments
2012 Toyota Yaris
The European division of Toyota Motor Corp. will handle global planning for small cars starting January 2012. The reorganization is part of the carmaker’s initiative to expand its model research and development in Europe. Following the shift, Toyota Europe will develop the company’s future minicar, subcompact and compact models.
The reorganization will also see the marketing segment’s separation from planning and its reconnection to sales. As part of the shakeup, Alain Uyttenhoven will serve as Europe’s vice president of product planning effective January 1. He will be responsible for deciding the fate of the next Aygo minicar, Yaris/Vitz subcompact and Auris/Corolla compact.
The marketing department, previously handled by Uyttenhoven, will now be bundled with sales and will be handled by former Toyota France CEO Daniele Schillaci. Schillaci will serve as Europe's senior vice president for sales and marketing. The reconnection of marketing to sales will allow Toyota “to respond in the fastest and most efficient way to market volatility and changes in customers' expectations," Toyota Motor Europe CEO Didier Leroy said.
Pascal Ruch will replace Schillaci as Toyota France CEO while Miguel Fonseca, Europe’s current vice president for sales business, will serve as vice president of business integration. [source: Autonews]
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