David Alfonso, a remarketing manager at Kia Motors America, has announced he will retire from the company on Jan. 3.

Alfonso joined Kia in July 1997, when he was recruited to establish the Fleet Sales and Remarketing department for the newly arrived auto manufacturer in the U.S., which at the time had a basic two-vehicle product line in an already crowded market.

“The challenge of selling a repurchase program to major car rental companies at the time was a daunting task to say the least. Their concern was the possibility of Kia Motors failing in the U.S.A. and not being there to repurchase the vehicles,” he said. “Today our rental car program stands at around the 100,000 vehicle level and our remarketing program is one of the most respected in the industry.”

Prior to his tenure with Kia, Alfonso worked at Mazda Motors of America where he established the automaker’s first remarketing program. After a brief stint with Mazda, a friend of Alfonso who was working for Kia at the time informed him that the company was looking to add a fleet department and that he had recommended Alfonso to the company. Alfonso was invited to apply and was subsequently hired.

Alfonso’s retirement will mark the second occasion in which a position he has held at Kia will be replaced, the first time being when he originally contemplated retirement after completing the duties in his initial position in fleet sales and remarketing and stepped aside to work in the field.

Alfonso’s excitement for the industry prompted him to remain with Kia in the role of remarketing manager to work with auto auctions, his favorite fleet activity. Dave Carp filled the first position Alfonso held with the company, and he currently serves as Kia’s director of fleet sales, remarketing and CPO. No one has been named yet to replace Alfonso’s current position.

Alfonso said that one of his most rewarding career accomplishments was helping found the International Automotive Remarketing Alliance (IARA). Alfonso currently serves as a Charter Board Member.

“Fifteen years ago, a handful of us met to discuss methods of securing a one-voice remarketing position in our industry and the IARA was born. I’ve been a Charter Board Member ever since and my involvement will be one of the things I’ll miss most in my upcoming retirement,” Alfonso said.

Alfonso said his retirement plans include working on the many projects associated with his newly purchased home on four acres of land in the Southern California Wine Country, traveling the world, and keeping up with his passion for sports cars and motorcycles.