James E.Miller President

Mazda Motor Corp. today announced that James E. Miller has been named president and representative director, replacing Henry D.G. Wallace.

Miller joined the company in June as executive vice president, assistant to the president and representative director. He previously was group managing director at South African Motor Corp. (SAMCOR).

Miller said the transition of the presidency will be seamless because he and Wallace have identical goals for Mazda.

"The vision for this company remains the same ---to make Mazda one of the top 10 automakers in the world in the 21st century," Miller said. "We have great human resources, research and development capabilities and manufacturing expertise. It won't be long before we return to our appropriate position."

Wallace said the time was right for him to return to the United Kingdom.

"This is strictly a personal decision," he said. "I have been away from home for the last 17 years and it is time to permanently settle down."

"When I became president I indicated to management that I would only accept the position if it were limited to 18 months," Wallace added. "This transition is not at all unexpected. In fact, it's right on schedule."Wallace will return to the United Kingdom

The outgoing president praised his successor, noting Miller's nine years of association with Mazda, through Ford Motor Co. of New Zealand and SAMCOR.

"He was very familiar with Mazda before he joined us this year and has added to that experience through his close working relationship with me," Wallace said. "I have every confidence in his ability to lead this company to its fullest potential."

Miller said no drastic changes are planned for the company and that there will be no change in the strategic relationship between Mazda and Ford.

Miller, an Indiana native, earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University. The 51-year-old joined Ford Motor Co.'s Detroit offices in 1973 and has served in a variety of position since then, including field operations manager, executive assistant-Dealer Affairs and FOE's (Ford of Europe) director of Eastern Europe and Export Operations.

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