Executives

Mazda's O'Sullivan: Focused on new products

The oldest cars in your lineup are the MX-5 Miata and RX-8. Is there any call for a sports car in these times? The RX-8 and Miata are our soul. Without sports cars, this company is like Ford without the F series. It’s our DNA. Besides, if you’re the number-one race brand, you need to have the MX-5 out there. In some cases, it’s an indulgent purchase. But if the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky go away … (JOE WILSSENS)
MR
By:
Mark Rechtin
May 04, 2009 05:00 AM

When Ford Motor Co. cut its stake in Mazda Motor Corp. to 13 percent from 33.4 percent in November, several key Ford Motor Co. executives on loan to Mazda had to make a decision: Stick with Mazda or go back to Ford. One of Mazda's coups was hanging on to Ford lifer Jim O'Sullivan, who had been CEO of Mazda North American Operations since 2003.

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