MONTVALE, N.J. -

Mercedes-Benz USA revealed Wednesday it has promoted one of its own to the newly created position of senior vice president of sales. 

Tapped for the position is Michael Slagter, former vice president of sales for MBUSA.

The promotion is effective immediately, and Slagter will report to MBUSA president and chief executive officer Steve Cannon.  

In his new position, Slagter will be responsible for sales, volume planning and distribution operations for the OEM’s passenger vehicles, the company shared. And as of July 1, 2011, he also has overall responsibility for the smart brand in the United States.

Highlighting his background, he his a 37-year veteran of the automotive industry, the OEM stressed.

Slagter began his career at MBUSA in 2004 as vice president of sales, West, based out of the company’s regional office in Los Angeles where he was responsible for all sales, service, marketing and operations for the company’s Western region. And before coming over to MBUSA, he worked with the Lexus brand for 11 years beginning in 1990 in the sales, marketing, franchised and pre-owned areas. 

“He subsequently held management positions with Lexus at retail and on the agency side, the latter in 2002 as retail division director at Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising in Torrance, Calif., where he oversaw all Toyota Dealer Association advertising and sales operations for the U.S. market,” officials further explained.

Before Lexus, Slagter worked for the Ford Motor Company for 14 years.