Nissan NA Manufacturing Chief to Step Down, Toyota's Bill Krueger Promoted

Washington DC December 14, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Nissan announced yesterday that its Senior Vice President of North American manufacturing and supply-chain management Dan Gaudette will retire in April, after leading overseeing the expansion of the automaker's plant in Smyrna, TN – one of the industry's largest – as well as launching the large-scale engine and powertrain component production in Decherd, TN, and a major expansion of production in Mexico. He also played an instrumental role in the rapid construction and opening of Nissan's groundbreaking $1.4 billion truck plant in Canton, MS.

Gaudette will be replaced by Bill Krueger, who spent the past year as a vice president of manufacturing, responsible for Nissan's car and truck plant in Smyrna, Tenn, reports Bloomberg.

Krueger previously held management positions at General Motors, Toyota Motor Corp. and Harley-Davidson. In his new role, Krueger will be in charge of all engine, vehicle and component production issues in Tennessee, Mississippi and Mexico.