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Johnson Appointed Corporate Development and Transformation Officer for Mercedes-Benz USA

7 December 2000

Johnson Appointed Corporate Development and Transformation Officer for Mercedes-Benz USA

    MONTVALE, N.J., Dec. 7 Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced
the appointment of Joe J. Johnson to corporate development and transformation
officer at the company's Montvale headquarters, effective immediately.
    In this capacity, Johnson will be responsible for providing the strategic
direction, development and implementation of the company-wide cultural
transformation and diversity strategy.  This broad-based responsibility
embraces related human resources, retail network, purchasing, training and
marketing activities at MBUSA.  Johnson will report to Paul Halata, president
and CEO for MBUSA.
    Johnson brings over 25 years of management experience in the automotive
industry.  His most recent position was market manager for MBUSA's Los Angeles
Region where he was responsible for directing the market team and attaining
sales, parts, service and client relations goals.
    Prior to joining MBUSA in 1995, Johnson was with Porsche Cars North
America, Inc.  He held the position of regional manager, sales manager and
operations manager during his 10 years with Porsche.
    From 1971-1984, Johnson served in sales and marketing positions for Ford
Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury division.
    Johnson holds a master's degree in business administration from the
University of Pittsburgh.  Originally from Buckingham, Virginia, Johnson and
his wife, Alexis, will be relocating to New Jersey.