Saab Appoints New Top Executive

If you’re looking for an automotive producer that is putting the development pedal to the metal in a race to conquer the market, be sure to follow Saab, as the Swedish automaker is currently making sustained efforts to convince customers that it is now a new company.

As part of its complex development plan, Saab today announced the appointment of Matthias Seidl as Executive Director Sales, with the move becoming effective from January 1, 2011.

“I feel extremely honoured to be joining such an iconic brand as Saab,” said Seidl, 47. “This is a very exciting period for the company and I look forward to helping increase sales volumes and opening up new territories for the brand in markets around the globe.”

The executive previously served as President and CEO of Detroit-based automotive consultancy company API. His experience includes 20 years of service for the VW Group, where he held multiple senior executive positions in the sales departments of Audi and Volkswagen.

“I am very pleased to welcome Matthias to our senior management team. His experience and skills will be very important to Saab as we continue to establish ourselves as a successful independent company,” said Jan Ake Jonsson, Saab Automobile President and CEO. “Over the next twelve months we will be launching two new products - the 9-4X and the 9-5 SportCombi – and Matthias’s contribution will be vital in optimizing the sales of these exciting new vehicles.”

Seidl will be based at Saab’s headquarters in Trollhattan, Sweden, where he will report directly to Jan Ake Jonsson. The executive replaces Adrian Hallmark, who will be leaving Saab to join Jaguar.