Hyundai Motor Names New President for U.S.

SEOUL, Sept 3, 2003; Reuters reported that Hyundai, promoted Robert Cosmay, vice president of the its U.S. sales department, to president of its American unit to spur an expansion effort.

Cosmay, 56, replaces Finbarr O'Neill, who left Hyundai and joined Mitsubishi Motors' North America unit as chief executive and co-chairman.

O'Neil was one of the main architect's behind Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty programme which is regarded as one of the key reasons for the South Korean auto maker's surge in U.S. sales over the last several years.

But Jake Jang, a Hyundai spokesman, said the company was confident it would not be blown off course in the United States.

"Mr. Cosmay has a wide experience in the industry and he will be able to maintain strong growth momentum in the United States," said Jang.

The incoming president joined Hyundai Motor America in 1998 after building his career at other major automakers such as Ford Motor Co and Honda Motor Co.