Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 14, 2016… BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) today announced new appointments within its senior management team. David Duncan will transition to a BMW Group position as the Head of Corporate and Special Sales for the company while Thomas Felbermair will join as Vice President, MINI Region Americas, Duncan’s former role. These appointments take effect May 1, 2016. So who is Thomas Felbermair. The press release doesn't say anything. Google to the rescue. From LinkedIN Thomas Felbermair Vice President MINI Europe bei BMW Group Germany Commercial Director Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. Head of Sales Audi Germany AUDI AG These positions from his past bode well for MINI enthusiasts in my opinion. Manager Porsche Michelin Supercup Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG Product Launch Manager Cayenne Porsche Italia S.p.A. Head of Motorsport Organisation and Sponsoring Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG Technical Coordinator One Make Cups (Porsche Carrera Cup / Porsche Supercup)
I see this as a DD firing, disguised as reassignment. Poor sales figures and a lack of ability to connect with the established stable of MINI enthusiasts in the U.S. The first was not necessarily his fault; the latter has been pretty obvious to most of us. Let's face it. We knew that filling Jim McD's shoes would be tough.
In other words that's "fleet sales", which is about the same as being fired. And for good reason, as MINI is having record sales worldwide while plummeting in the USA.