After 3 days with Penske, Saturn’s former boss heads up Smart USA

After just three days with the company, former Saturn executive Jill Lajdziak has been named president of Smart USA, in the wake of former president David Schembri’s relocation to another post with Smart distributor Penske Automotive.

“As we look to enhance the position of the Smart brand, Jill’s background and experience will help us reinvigorate the dealer network and bring a greater awareness to the smart brand,” said Roger Penske, chairman of the Penske Automotive.

Smart, which is made by Daimler AG and was launched in the U.S. in 2008, has seen sales fall 38% through the end of November, and Schembri has been at the helm since they entered the U.S. market.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)