Keith May Appointed Senior Vice President, Sales Operations for Mercedes-Benz USA

MONTVALE, N.J., Feb. 24, 2004 -- Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced the promotion of Keith May to the position of senior vice president, sales operations at the company's Montvale, N.J. headquarters effective March 1, 2004.

In his new position as senior vice president, sales operations, May will have overall responsibility for sales, volume planning and distribution. As a member of executive management, May reports to Paul Halata, president and CEO of MBUSA, and is joined by four vice presidents: marketing, customer services, smart/pre-owned/fleet operations and finance.

The promotion of May from his current role as vice president, sales, reflects the consolidation of the sales operations across the entire company. In 2003, the company sold a record-breaking 218,717 cars and light trucks through its network of 324 dealerships.

Commenting on the appointment, Halata said, "Keith's promotion recognizes the changes in the marketplace and the need for us to consolidate our efforts and target our energies behind a strong sales, market and service presence. This newly enhanced role demonstrates the importance of our customers' sales interaction, not only for the business, but also as part of the overall Mercedes ownership experience."

May joined MBUSA in May 2000 to take responsibility for the sales operations in the midwest and northeast regions. In August 2001 he became vice president, sales for MBUSA. He began his career with the Mercedes-Benz organization in 1985 and has held numerous positions at marketing, wholesale and retail levels.

Originally from the UK, May and his family live in New Jersey.