Mark Barnes Named Southern Region General Manager at Hyundai Motor America

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 4 -- Mark Barnes, a 21-year veteran of the automotive industry, has been named General Manager of Hyundai Motor America's Southern Region. Barnes and will be responsible for all sales, marketing and parts and service operations in the region. The appointment was made following the recent untimely death of Jim Hurban, who held the position for several years.

"With his professionalism and the passion he brings to the job, Mark will be a tremendous asset in the Southern Region "said Bob Cosmai, acting president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America, "Mark became an immediate impact player in the organization when he joined us just two years ago."

"Jim Hurban was well-loved and respected by both our dealers and Hyundai Motor America and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him," said Barnes. "I am excited at the chance to work with the dealers in the Southern Region and continue the growth the region experienced over the past four years."

The Southern region includes: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and North and South Carolina.

Barnes, formerly Director of Sales Operations for Hyundai Motor America, joined the company in August 2001 as National Manager of Sales Operations and was promoted to his most recent position the following year. Prior to joining Hyundai Motor America, he spent 18 years with Nissan North America working in a variety of positions in sales, marketing and fixed operations.

An Indiana native, Barnes is a graduate of Indiana State University. Barnes will take over his new position in mid-September.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 600 dealers nationwide.