Simon Elliott, managing director of Chrysler Group in the UK, is to take up the position of executive director, sales and marketing, aftersales and network development for the company in China.

The rapidly expanding automotive market in China is seen as one of the main areas of opportunity for DaimlerChrysler and this position will be key to consolidating Chrysler’s success in north east Asia, the company said.

Elliott joined DaimlerChrysler when the former Mercedes-Benz UK and Chrysler Jeep Import companies merged in late 1999.

Until the appointment of a successor, the Chrysler Group sales and marketing teams under Elliott will report to DaimlerChrysler UK president and CEO, Wilfried Steffen.