Although Hyundai ’s product renaissance is ultimately responsible for the automaker’s current strength, it would be impossible for us to ignore its heavy marketing efforts – and apparently Nissan noticed, too. The Japanese automaker lured Hyundai’s Vice President of Marketing, Joel Ewanick, to its Nashville headquarters as its new Nissan brand marketing chief.
Ewanick is credited with Hyundai’s hugely influential “Hyundai Assurance Program” that was credited with helping close countless sales during a recession-rocked automotive market last year. Hyundai was one of just a handful of brands to increase its annual sales last year in a market that tumbled more than 20 percent on the whole.
At Nissan , Ewanick will be responsible for marketing the automaker’s upcoming Leaf electric car, which will reach the market later this year and will need to compete heavily with the Chevrolet Volt .
Meanwhile, Hyundai has named its former Director of Marketing and Advertising, Chris Perry, as its interim marketing chief as it initiates a search for a new marketing vice president.
Perry could be tapped to lead the automaker’s marketing efforts, according to a Hyundai spokesman, although the automaker has yet to make a final decision.
References
1.’Nissan snags Hyunda…’ view
2.’Hyundai names Perry…’ view
