Stellantis Hires Hyundai Sales Executive for the U.S.

Stellantis announced the appointment of Michael Orange as head of sales and dealer network performance in the United States. He will report to Antonio Filosa, global CEO and chief operating officer for North America, effective April 22.

The new head of sales has been part of Hyundai’s senior leadership in the U.S. since 2008 and left the South Korean automaker on April 14 after helping drive record sales volume during his 16 months as vice president of national sales.

Orange succeeds Jeff Kommor, who retired after more than 40 years at Stellantis and its predecessor companies. Kommor will remain temporarily to facilitate a smooth transition, according to the company.

The new Stellantis executive takes the helm amid an aggressive push to regain market share in North America and with the task of normalizing the strained relationship between the multinational automaker and its dealers.

Leapmotor Arrives in Mexico

The announcement also comes as the company begins rolling out the first retail locations in Mexico for the Chinese brand Leapmotor, which it will support through its dealer network via a 51/49 joint venture led by Stellantis.

Hangzhou-based Leapmotor will begin operations in the country with three extended-range electric vehicle (REEV) models.

The entry-level model is the Leapmotor B10, a compact crossover with 215 horsepower (hp) and a range of up to 900 kilometers (km), followed by the C10, a midsize SUV also with 215 hp and a range of up to 1,000 km.

Finally, the Leapmotor C16 delivers 228 horsepower and a total range of up to 1,000 km; its cabin stands out for its premium finishes and third row of seats.