DaimlerChrysler AG has appointed Rainer Schmueckle chief operating officer of its Mercedes Car Group, effective April 15. Schmueckle was previously head of business unit trucks NAFTA (Freightliner, Sterling, Thomas Built Buses) as well as chief executive of Freightliner. In his new position, he will be responsible for the functional divisions of production, procurement and information technology within the Mercedes Car Group.
Chris Patterson, formerly senior vice president, service and parts, for Freightliner, will replace Schmueckle as both head of business unit trucks NAFTA and president and chief executive of Freightliner.
