Bangkok--Dec 17--Ogilvy Public Relations
Ford Asia Pacific and Africa today announced the appointment of John V. Felice as the new president of Ford Thailand Operations, effective immediately. In this capacity, Felice will be responsible for the operations of all Ford affiliates in the country including Ford Operations Thailand and Ford Sales & Service (Thailand) Co. Ltd. He will be appointed to the Board of Directors of AutoAlliance (Thailand) Co. Ltd and secure Ford's interests in the highly successful Ford-Mazda joint-venture manufacturing facility.
The announcement made by the president of Ford ASEAN Operations, Michael J. McCarney said, "We are pleased to announce John Felice's appointment as Thailand's new president, succeeding Chatchai Bunnag. As executive director of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa Marketing, Sales and Service operations based here in Bangkok for almost three years, Felice has in-depth knowledge of the Asia Pacific markets, and particularly understands the dynamics of Thailand's competitive environment. I am confident that John's extensive automotive background and local market knowledge is best combination needed for the challenging new role as president of Ford Thailand."
According to Felice, "I am motivated by this new assignment as Thailand is undoubtedly one of the most important markets, not just regionally, but globally for Ford. Thailand is already on fast track to become the "Detroit of Asia" — as the largest automotive market in ASEAN and its increasing leadership role as the regional automotive hub — Ford is optimistic of Thailand's potential growth in the greater global automotive arena.
"Ford has achieved significant success in Thailand as exemplified by the Escape leadership in the SUV segment and Ford's Number 1 ranking in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index 2004." Felice said, "I believe we have a strong team in place in Thailand and I look forward to working closely with the Ford team, our dealers, business partners and government sectors. Primarily, I shall concentrate on building upon the successes of Ford in Thailand and commit to strengthening Ford's position in the domestic market, by providing our customers quality-built cars and trucks and the highest customer satisfaction.
"Another key objective I intend to pursue is to leverage the manufacturing excellence at AutoAlliance Thailand to boost Thailand's export capabilities not only within ASEAN but on a global level," he added.
Currently the Ford Ranger and Mazda Fighter one-tonne pickups are exported to more than 130 countries worldwide including ASEAN, Europe, South America, Middle East, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. Total exports from AAT in 2004 totaled 73,650 units. Ford had announced plans to invest an additional USD500 million (Baht 21 billion) in support of new vehicle programs and expansion of the plant's capacity up to 200,000 units from the current 135,000 units.
"Felice is the best man for the job. He is a natural leader and team-builder with tremendous brand vision and a strong drive to lead Ford Thailand into a new era of accelerated growth,” said McCarney.
Prior to this appointment, Felice had held the position as executive director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa Marketing, Sales & Service Operations since August 2002, where he was responsible for all marketing, sales and service strategies and initiatives for twelve markets -- Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, China, India, Japan, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Earlier, he was product marketing manager for Tough Truck with Ford Division in the U.S., where he contributed significantly in building the “Tough Truck” image for Ford. As portfolio brand strategy manager for Ford Motor Company from 1999 to 2001, Felice was responsible for the development of the global brand positioning for Ford Motor Company’s portfolio of vehicle and service brands. He was also responsible for brand communication to leverage opportunities to educate, share and promote understanding of brand throughout Ford Motor Company.
Felice joined Ford in April 1984 and has since held numerous management positions in the Sales & Marketing organization including market research, franchising, advertising, product planning, programming, distribution and direct dealer interface in several sales and marketing roles.
Felice was born November 14, 1961 in Lansing, Michigan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Oakland University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan — Dearborn.
Contact:
Pauline Kee Natee Sastyoungkul
66-2-6864319 66-2-6864635
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