CYPRESS, CA — Daniel P. Kuhnert joined Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) on April 21 as senior vice president of sales. Kuhnert replaces Michael Tocci, who is relocating to the East Coast to pursue other interests.

In his new position, Kuhnert will be responsible for U.S. sales operations, dealer development, distribution, logistics, fleet and remarketing, reporting to Dave Schembri, executive vice president of sales and marketing. Kuhnert rejoins MMNA after more than a decade as dealer principal of two Mitsubishi dealerships in San Diego County.

Kuhnert first joined MMNA in 1988 and served as general manager for the Western Region until 1992. From 1992 through 2001, Kuhnert was the owner/operator of Carlsbad Mitsubishi. During that time, he was named a Mitsubishi "Diamond Chapter of Excellence Dealer" for three consecutive years, and served on the Mitsubishi Dealer National Advisory Board.

Most recently, Kuhnert served as managing partner of the Poway Auto Group in Poway, California, where he oversaw both Mitsubishi and Hyundai dealerships.

Prior to his career with Mitsubishi, Kuhnert held various sales positions for Volkswagen of America, Inc. He began his career as a zone manager for Ford Motor Company in Lansing, Michigan.

He graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in marketing, and then earned a master's degree in business administration from St. Mary's College in Moraga, Calif.