#Mitsubishi Motors #Automotive Leadership #Michael Helgesen

Mitsubishi Motors Appoints Michael Helgesen as West-Central Regional VP

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has officially announced the appointment of Michael Helgesen as the West-Central Regional Vice President. This strategic move comes at a pivotal time as the company aims to strengthen its presence across the United States and enhance the relationship with its dealer network.

Michael Helgesen brings an impressive portfolio to this new role, with over 35 years of extensive experience in the automotive industry. His background encompasses leadership in various capacities, including franchise development and operational roles. Helgesen's previous positions include Vice President of Sales and Business Development at AutoFi, where he played a crucial role in expanding the company's SaaS operations. Before that, he spent significant time at Cox Automotive and Kia Motors America, where he advanced significantly through the ranks to oversee regional operations.

Mark Chaffin, the President and CEO of MMNA, expressed enthusiasm about Helgesen joining the team: "We are thrilled to welcome Mike Helgesen to the MMNA team. His extensive background and proven track record will be invaluable as we continue to grow our dealer network and enhance Mitsubishi Motors' presence in the West-Central region." Chaffin also highlighted that strengthening retail relationships is integral to the company's ongoing success and aligns seamlessly with the company’s “Momentum 2030” business plan.

Focus on Dealer Relationships

As part of his responsibilities, Helgesen will lead initiatives focused on fostering robust partnerships with dealers, ensuring their success within the Mitsubishi ecosystem. He aims to meet with dealer partners to understand their unique objectives and challenges better, forming a collaborative effort that leads to outstanding results. This approach reflects a growing trend within the automotive industry, where manufacturers recognize the value of close collaboration between OEMs and their dealer network.

Building a Stronger Network

The commitment to dealer success is further emphasized within MMNA's five-year business strategy known as