Brea, CA (1/16/2014) - Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., (SMAI) announces the appointment of Takeshi
Hayasaki as President. Mr. Hayasaki, a long-serving executive of Suzuki
Motor Corporation, has many years of experience in the motorcycle/ATV
industry, and began his new position December 16. The company also
announced that Takao Kudo has been named Executive Vice President and will
oversee the new After Sales Operations group.
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., is well-positioned right now for
growth, said Mr. Hayasaki, with a new company focused on the
recreational Powersports industry and exciting new models for 2014. I'm
eager to work with Suzuki staff and dealers to continue this growth and
brand momentum. We are creating opportunities for Suzuki dealers and Suzuki
enthusiasts nationwide.
Mr. Hayasaki served as Assistant to the President of American Suzuki Motor
Corp. from 1996 through 2002, overseeing strong growth in the company's
motorcycle/ATV division. Under Mr. Hayasaki leadership Suzuki launched
several key models in the USA, such as the 1999 Hayabusa and QuadSport Z400
ATV. He gained a wide range of international experience in sales and
marketing, working with Suzuki distributors in Canada, Australia, Europe
and Latin America. His broad understanding of sales and marketing as well
as vehicle production and distribution will allow him to serve the U.S.
market well again.
We're glad to have Mr. Hayasaki's business experience and leadership
as we plan for continued growth, said Larry Vandiver, Suzuki's
Motorcycle/ATV Vice President. The introduction of new products such as
the Suzuki V-Strom 1000 ABS and the Burgman 200 ABS shows just part of our
growth plan, and Mr. Hayasaki's experience will help Suzuki Motor of
America with these new products and much more.
Suzuki is creating a new After Sales Operations division that will help
SMAI better serve consumers. This division unites parts, accessories and
service functions under the leadership of Mr. Kudo, who most recently
served as Export Motorcycle Service Manager, leading Suzuki Motor
Corporation's (SMC) global motorcycle service team. Mr. Kudo began
working with SMC's motorcycle service group in 1985, and has visited much
of the world, including Australia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, while
working to improve Suzuki's motorcycle, marine and automotive service
efficiencies. Mr. Kudo's global service experience will be instrumental
as we launch the new After Sales Operations division.
