David C. Schembri Joins Mitsubishi Motors North America as Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing

CYPRESS, Calif., Feb. 14, 2005 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today announced the hiring of David C. Schembri as executive vice president of sales and marketing for MMNA, effective immediately. He brings with him more than 30 years of corporate automotive marketing experience from Mercedes-Benz USA, Volkswagen of America and American Motors Corporation. Schembri will report directly to Rich Gilligan, president and CEO.

"We are thrilled to add Dave Schembri to MMNA's executive team," said Gilligan. "He brings a wealth of automotive sales and marketing talent from his years at Mercedes and Volkswagen. His industry experience, knowledge and strategic background will be an invaluable asset to us as we move our brand forward."

Schembri comes to MMNA from Mercedes-Benz USA, where he served in a number of positions, including vice president of marketing; vice president, smart USA; vice president of sales-west; and vice president/general manager for the New York and L.A. regions, respectively. During his 11-year tenure, Schembri helped successfully launch the Mercedes SL, E-Class, CLK, AWD C-Class and Maybach. He also led the development and implementation of a certified pre-owned and remarketing program as well as the regional dealer advertising program.

"I am extremely proud to join Mitsubishi Motors North America," said Schembri. "Mitsubishi Motors is emerging out of a tough turnaround period as a stronger and better company, with the best and most exciting products it has ever offered. This, combined with an outstanding dealer and corporate organization, provides for a strong foundation for future growth. I see tremendous opportunity with this brand."

Prior to Mercedes-Benz USA, Schembri held a number of positions at Volkswagen of America over the course of 16 years, including director of marketing, director of dealer financial services, manager of national sales operations and sales manager of the western zone.

Additionally, Schembri worked for American Motors Corporation in a variety of areas, including planning and forecasting, and corporate finance.

Schembri is a graduate of University of Detroit, where he earned his bachelor's of science degree in business administration and his master's of business administration degree in marketing and finance.