Saab Automobile has introduced a new global sales structure “aimed at enhancing support and communication with its markets around the world” and a new marketing director for North America.
Its plans to conquer the world include dividing the globe into four regions, each led by a regional director responsible for market development, sales and aftersales: Americas, Nordic, Europe, and Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.
The Americas region includes the United States, traditionally Saab’s largest market, headed by Alan Ludwell, currently responsible for importer markets at HQ. Magnus Hansson will continue as regional director for the Nordics, where Sweden is the largest market. The Europe region will be led by Jonathan Nash, who moves from managing director of Saab Great Britain. A regional director for Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, where China will become the main focus, will be named within months.
All regional directors will be based in Trollhattan, Sweden, where they will report directly to Saab Automobile AB Executive Director Global Sales & Aftersales, Matthias Seidl.
Seidl said: “This new organisation gives individual markets a direct link with company headquarters through their regional organisations, creating shorter lines of communication and a more effective decision making process. Getting this new structure in place is an important step as we focus on realising the full sales potential of our markets and build on the recent sales momentum.
Saab is about to launch a new 9-5 wagon and 9-4X crossover.
Meanwhile, Saab Cars North America named David Rooney executive director marketing.
He comes from Chrysler where he held several director level positions in areas such as customer relationship management, marketing and global communications, brand communications, media operations, events and cross brand marketing.