German automakers Mercedes-Benz Group is creating a new position of Chief Executive Officer North America to further ‘intensify its engagement with US customers and the economy and to elevate the importance of the United States in its global business plans’.
The announcement follows a tumultuous period for non-US automotive companies in the US, with President Donald Trump making it clear that he will be changing international trade rules via import tariffs that will hit importers. Vehicle makers are scrambling to form effective strategic and tactical responses to the rapidly changing US economic landscape.
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Jason Hoff, currently Head of Quality for Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans will be appointed to the newly created role of CEO Mercedes-Benz North America, effective May 1st, 2025. He reports directly into the Mercedes-Benz Group AG Board of Management.
The North America CEO will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of Mercedes-Benz in the United States.
Ola Kaellenius, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said: “The United States has been our successful home for over a century. To unlock our full potential, we are now creating the position North America CEO.
“This new position will ensure continued growth and increased synergies in the US by bundling our activities and subsidiaries under one roof. We are poised to continue investing in the strong US economy in the coming years and continue to delight Mercedes-Benz customers and fans alike.”
Mercedes has considerable manufacturing investments in the US.
The Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was founded in 1995 and was the first major Mercedes-Benz plant outside Germany. Around two-thirds of its annual production is exported, making Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) one of the largest automotive exporters in the United States. Total output was around 307,000 vehicles in 2024.
The plant is the location for SUV production with the current GLE, GLE Coupé and GLS Maybach model series. Since 2022, the two all-electric models EQS SUV and EQE SUV have also been manufactured there; since 2023 also the new Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV. The batteries for the EQ models are manufactured at the battery factory in nearby Bibb County.
