Masafumi (Mark) Harano New Automotive Operations President at American Suzuki Motor Corporation

The announcement of Harano’s appointment follows the company’s best first quarter ever and a record-setting 2006, when American Suzuki enjoyed automobile sales of more than 100,000 vehicles for the first time in its 22-year history. In addition to the sales volume achievement, the company enjoyed double-digit sales growth for the third consecutive year.

“I am proud that our sales showed double-digit increases for each of the last three years, and that we set a new sales record of over 100,000 units last year. These accomplishments are due in large part to the efforts of our American Suzuki team and a string of successful new products,” said Koichi Suzuki, president of American Suzuki Automotive Operations. “With more outstanding products on the horizon, I am confident that Mark’s leadership will allow American Suzuki to build upon its sales momentum and continue Suzuki’s success in the United States.”

Harano began his automotive career with Suzuki upon graduating from the Kobe City University with a degree in foreign studies in 1988. He has been responsible for Suzuki’s overseas automobile marketing in Southeast Asia and North America, as well as the company’s auto product planning department in Hamamatsu, Japan. Harano is familiar with American Suzuki’s Brea, Calif., operations, having served there as assistant to the company’s vice president of automotive sales and marketing for six years from 1993 to 1998 before moving to Canada.

.