British automaker Lotus has announced that Maurizio Parlato, former CEO of Ferrari North America, has been named CEO of the company’s United States division.
Parlato brings with him seven years experience as CEO and 20 years overall with Ferrari North America. He left Ferrari on January 1, 2010.
Parlato’s appointment comes as Lotus scrambles to meet its ambitious goal to release six new cars within the next decade and move upmarket to compete with Parlato’s former company.
“He has the experience we need…to help insure success with our future Lotus vehicles,” said Lotus spokesman Kevin Smith. “He’s brought in a lot of energy already and great contacts in the industry.”
Curiously, Parlato apparently worked with Lotus for several weeks before the company decided to officially announce his appointment: Lotus says that while it announced his position on November 16 at the Los Angeles Auto Show, he has actually been CEO since the Frankfurt Auto Show in mid-September.
Smith explained the situation by stating that the company was pre-occupied with appearances at numerous shows.
References
1.’Lotus USA names…’ view
