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Honda Names New N. American Sales Chief

Honda Motor Co. has named Jeff Conrad, general manager of its Honda division in North America, as executive vice president of Acura and Honda sales in the region, effective April 1.
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Honda Motor Co. has named Jeff Conrad, general manager of its Honda division in North America, as executive vice president of Acura and Honda sales in the region, effective April 1.

He will succeed John Mendel, who has held the post since 2004. Mendel is credited with managing the company’s Takata airbag inflator crisis and bolstering Honda resale values by limiting the company’s sales to fleets.

Conrad inherits an organization that posted record sales of 1.64 million vehicles last year, up 12% from its volume when Mendel arrived. Conrad also faces the continuing challenge of helping the Acura luxury brand reestablish traction after a 19% sales decline in the past 12 years.

Separately, Honda says Jerry Chenkin, president of Honda Canada Inc., is retiring after more than 40 years with the company. He will be succeeded by Dave Gardner, currently the organization’s senior vice president. Gardner will be responsible for Honda manufacturing operations in Canada and the sales of the company’s cars, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and power equipment.

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