Hyundai sales exec joins DaimlerChrysler

Kathy Jackson | | Automotive News | LOS ANGELES -- Mark Barnes, vice president of sales for Hyundai Motor America, left the company today to join DaimlerChrysler's Western region office as a senior sales executive.

Barnes, 47, joined Hyundai in August 2001. The company's sales have soared during his tenure.

Steve Wilhite, Hyundai's chief operating officer since August, said Barnes will be missed.

"Obviously, this is a significant loss to Hyundai," Wilhite said in a statement. "In my brief tenure at Hyundai, I developed a strong appreciation for his leadership values and level of trust he built with our dealers."