ROYAL OAK, Mich. -
Saab Automobile AB has named an interim chief operating office for Saab Cars North America as Michael Colleran steps down. 
Immediately moving into the interim role is Matthias Seidl, who is Saab Automobile’s executive director of global sales. Seidl assumes Colleran’s duties of leading Saab in North America while also maintaining his current responsibilities.
Officials said Colleran is leaving “to pursue further career opportunities.”
A permanent COO is expected to be announced soon, Saab said.
“We thank Michael Colleran for his service and assistance in rebuilding the Saab brand in North America and the Saab team wishes him the very best,” noted Saab Automobile president and chief executive officer Jan Ake Jonsson.
Sharing more details on Seidl’s experience, Saab noted that his background includes automotive leadership experience in the U.S. He was COO at Volkswagen of America for a few years in the 2000s and was president and CEO of API, which is an auto consultancy out of Detroit, before officially joining Saab on Jan. 1.
Additionally, Seidl served as executive director of sales for the American region for Volkswagen and Audi before moving to the COO post at VW of America.