STUTTGART, Germany, July 29 (AFP) - US-German automaker DaimlerChrysler named on Thursday Eckhard Cordes head of its Mercedes Car group, encompassing the prestigious Mercedes brand name and the pint-sized Smart car.
Until now responsible for the company`s commercial vehicles division, Cordes, 53, will be replaced by Andreas Renschler, 46, who will now join the management board.
Cordes is considered a consensus-seeker who has good relations with the trade unions and chief executive Juergen Schrempp.
Ulrich Walker, a 52-year-old former vice president of Mitsubishi Motors will become head of Smart GmbH, the company added.
The current head of Mercedes Car, 65-year-old Juergen Hubbert, will head from October the Executive Automotive Committee responsible for strategic planning until he retires in April 2005.
All the appointments announced Thursday were approved by DaimlerChrysler`s supervisory board.