We all know how well Toyota and Lexus have been doing in the US market. Their sales have been rising steadily over the years and they are now aiming to be the top car manufacturer in the world.
Most of their success though can be associated with their marketing abilities. They now exactly how to advertise them selves to the US people and that has been working for them very well. But now Audi has come along and stollen one of their main guys.
The general manager of the Portland region for Toyota has been tapped to be the chief operating officer for Audi of America Inc.
Mark Del Rosso, 43, an automotive sales executive and marketing specialist, joined Audi in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Thursday. Germany-based Audi AG's U.S. headquarters is moving from Auburn Hills to Herndon, Va., later this year.
The COO position has been vacant since the departure of Tom Del Franco in June 2007. Del Rosso will report to Audi Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen.
Del Rosso, 43, joined Toyota in 1991 and served in various marketing and field positions in both the Toyota and Lexus divisions.
In his new role at Audi, Del Rosso will direct sales operations, vehicle distribution, market strategy and planning and corporate sales.