Motors & Drives Information

NORMAL, Ill. -- Company Promotes 33-Year Industry and Operations Veteran as Fourth-Generation Eclipse is Readied for Dealer Showrooms

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today named Jerry Berwanger Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing Division, promoting him to run the company's lone North American assembly plant located in Normal, Ill. Berwanger, who most recently was senior vice president of Quality and Operations at the facility, takes over leadership of the plant from Rich Gilligan, who in January was appointed President and CEO of MMNA.

Berwanger, 56, is a 33-year automotive industry veteran. He was hired by Gilligan in March 1999 as MMNA Manufacturing Vice President of Quality after 27 years with Ford Motor Company, where he held various positions at the automaker's plants in Kansas City and Chicago. He was promoted to Senior Vice President of Quality for MMNA in 2003, adding responsibility for all Manufacturing Operations in 2004. He will report directly to Gilligan.

"Jerry's leadership in Quality has been a linchpin in MMNA's rise to award-winning performance in the J.D. Power IQS rankings," said Gilligan. "He's a real 'people-person,' and the perfect choice to lead Manufacturing's contributions toward MMNA's return to profitability."

"I'm excited to lead the team in Normal at this challenging time for our company," said Berwanger. "We have a critical role to play in Mitsubishi's global revitalization, and I join our entire workforce in embracing that challenge, beginning with our production launch next month of the all-new Eclipse."

The 2006 Eclipse, which is expected to be in dealer showrooms by Memorial Day, ahead of an official sales launch in June, shocks the senses with an eye-catching bold design and dynamic performance enhancements that take the nameplate's legendary status among import sport enthusiasts to new heights. Mitsubishi has integrated refined power, futuristic styling and dynamic handling in the fourth-generation Eclipse to appeal to both upscale, affluent consumers and younger drivers who exhibit a passion for driving and life every day.

The new Eclipse is featured on the cover of Motor Trend magazine's March issue as one of the "Hot Drives Worth Waiting For."

# posted by Medical Information : 5:20 AM