Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC), Tokyo, has appointed Robert E. McDowell to the post of president and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Inc. (MFTA), effective today.
McDowell, the first American-born president of MFTA, replaces Isao Toda, who will return to Japan.
McDowell, a member of the "class of '85," as the founding group of MFTA employees is known within the organization, joined MFTA at its inception as regional sales manager, charged with handling dealer development. He brought with him extensive experience in the medium-duty truck market from his previous employment with IVECO Truck of North America. Recognized several times for outstanding sales achievement, he was quickly promoted to eastern regional vice president. From that position, he was promoted to vice president of sales operations, and finally, in 2000, to executive vice president and chief operating officer - the post he held until Mr. Toda announced his current promotion.
Isao Toda leaves MFTA to become the president of Chiba Mitsubishi Fuso in Japan. In departing, he noted, "I will remember with great fondness the time I have spent working at MFTA and living in this great country. I believe MFTA, under Bob McDowell's leadership and with the continued support of its superb staff, will reach all of its goals for growth in the coming years, and, while I am sad to leave, I know I leave the business in good hands."
Under Toda's leadership, MFTA has grown steadily, enjoying the highest monthly sales in its history in March 2005. McDowell has noted that continuing the company's pattern of growth will be his top priority.
"It's an honor and a privilege to be asked to serve as president of MFTA," McDowell said. "We have an organization that I feel is truly second to none in our industry, the people we have are outstanding, and Mr. Toda has left us well positioned for dramatic growth. I'm confident that, together, we can carry out his vision." McDowell, his wife Pamela and their two children live in Medford, NJ.