Detroit January 13 (AFP) Saab Automobile AB has replaced its top executive in the United States, naming Matthias Seidl interim chief operating officer for Detroit-based Saab Cars North America effective immediately.
Seidl replaced Michael Colleran, who resigned "to pursue further career opportunities," Saab said in a statement.
Colleran, a former General Motors sales executive, had been Saab's top executive in the United States since the company was acquired from GM by Spyker Cars NV of the Netherlands in February, 2010 for 74 million dollars.
Jan Ake Jonsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB, said Seidl temporarily takes on responsibility for Saab Cars North America in addition to his current position as executive director of global sales.
Saab Automobile expects to announce a new chief operating officer for Saab Cars North America soon, Jonsson said.
"Seidl has considerable experience in the United States market, having spent several years as chief operating officer for Volkswagen of America in the late 2000s. Prior to that, Seidl was executive director sales American region for Volkswagen and Audi," Jonsson said.
"We thank Michael Colleran for his service and assistance in rebuilding the Saab brand in North America and the Saab team wishes him the very best," said Jan Ake Jonsson, President and CEO of Saab Automobile AB.
Meanwhile, Saab reported growing sales momentum as it released its 2010 sales and production figures Friday.
In the fourth quarter of 2010 sales amounted to 11,448 cars, up 129 percent compared to the same period in 2009.
Full-year, revenue-generation wholesale deliveries increased 15 percent year-on-year to 31,696 cars, on the back of encouraging results in several key markets, including the US Saab's largest market, the company said.
Saab Automobile's totaled 32,048 units, compared to 20,905 units in 2009 increased 53 percent, according to figures released by the company.
"These figures show that Saab Automobile is firmly establishing itself as an independent car manufacturer," Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars NV and Chairman of Saab Automobile said in a statement.
"One of the largest challenges in 2010 was to restock our dealers around the world to normal levels again, especially in a market like the United States, where you need dealer stock in order to be able to sell cars," Muller said.
