Shanghai (ZXZC)- Hideaki Tanaka, former President of Changan Mazda, has left the company after 3-year tenure. His post is succeeded by Toru Nakajima, according to an announcement from the Sino-Japanese joint venture. 

(Photo source: official website of Changan Mazda)

Under Mr. Tanaka’s leadership, Changan Mazda has successively introduced several new models such as the new Mazda3 Axela, the second-generation CX-5, the CX-3 imported SUV and the CX-8 7-seater SUV, further improving its brand image and setting foot in more vehicle segments.

Before being dispatched to Changan Mazda, Mr. Tanaka worked as Deputy General Manager of China Business Divison for Mazda, according to the formal record from the Japanese automaker. 

Toru Nakajima joined Mazda Motor Corporation in 1987 and was named General Manager of Product Marketing Department in 2007, according to his job career posted on LinkedIn, a business social platform. From April, 2011 to March, 2019, he held posts of Vice President/Chief of Staff, Vehicle Operations at Mazda North American Operations and General Manager of Global Sales & Marketing Division at Mazda Motor Corporation. 

Changan Mazda said Mr. Nakajima’s participation will further energize the company with his global marketing vision and abundant sales experience. 

For the first quarter of the year, the joint venture sold a total of 32,784 vehicles, facing a year-on-year decline of 28.43%. Its sales in March also shrank 21.43% compared with the same period a year ago to 10,449 units.