DaimlerChrysler has appointed Rainer Schmueckle to the newly created position of chief operating officer at its Mercedes unit, the German-American automaker said on Sunday, according to Reuters.

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The position, which takes effect on April 15, reportedly will give Schmueckle oversight over cost cutting measures aimed at improving profitability in the automaker’s Mercedes-Benz and Smart brands.


The news agency noted that the appointment came just two days after DaimlerChrysler announced plans to restructure its money-losing Smart brand, spending up to $US1.56 billion this year, cutting 700 jobs and scrapping some models.


Reuters said Schmueckle was previously head of Business Unit Trucks NAFTA, part of Daimler’s Commercial Vehicles Division, as well as head of Daimler’s Freightliner truck unit.

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