Paul Wilbur, the president and CEO of American Specialty Cars (ASC), has been appointed president and CEO of Saleen Incorporated, as well. The announcement was made after Hancock Park Associates, the primary investor in Saleen, completed the acquisition of the other company. The strategic alignment of these two niche vehicle manufacturers will create a complete portfolio of products and services for future Saleen vehicles, aftermarket accessories and vehicles created for the world's original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).
"Paul is one of the most dynamic automotive executives in the U.S. automotive industry, with more than 26 years of industry experience—21 with OEMs and five years in the Tier 1 supply business," says Kevin Listen, a Hancock Park Associates partner. "His knowledge of the specialty vehicle business is paramount as he leads Saleen and begins to grow ASC's specialty open air and creative services businesses. We expect a lot of good things to happen under Paul's leadership."
In the near-term, both ASC and Saleen will remain as separate companies, although the long-term vision is to strategically integrate the two operations. While each company will maintain its unique focus, both companies have common platforms as low volume, specialty vehicle manufacturers. The combined group will be comprised of OEM, Tier 1 and aftermarket business units.
Chris Theodore, former vice president of Product Development at Ford Motor Company, will lead new product development for both companies as their chief technology officer. Theodore is best known as the "father of the Ford GT program." Marques McCammon will assume the daily responsibilities at Saleen.
The two companies are currently working together to launch the 2008 Saleen model line, in addition to equipping all supercharged Ford Harley Davidson Edition F-150s with Saleen's patented twin-screw supercharger and painting all 2008 Dodge Vipers. The group is especially looking forward to combining its efforts to produce the next generation of Ford Mustang and F-150-derived vehicles due out within the next two years.
"The combination of Saleen's powertrain and chassis expertise, along with ASC's body engineering and design capabilities is no accident," says Wilbur. "Moving forward, both companies are excited to develop innovative products for the automotive industry. Together, the two companies will have the expertise to design, engineer and manufacture amazing new specialty vehicle products. The synergies of the two companies create a clear leader in the niche vehicle business. I am very excited to join the talented team at Saleen."
For more information about ASC, visit the company's Web site. Information about Saleen Incorporated is also avaiable online.
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