BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. — Penske Automotive Group announced this week that the management of smart USA has changed.

Taking on the role of president of the Penske subsidiary is Jill Lajdziak, who had joined the company in December as vice president of sales and marketing for smart USA.

Smart USA had been managed by Dave Schembri, who is now moving into Penske's retail operations.

Lajdziak brings more than three decades of auto industry experience, including such areas as brand development, product marketing and customer satisfaction.

As previously reported in Auto Remarketing, Lajdziak had recently served as general manager of Saturn during her time with General Motors before coming aboard at Penske.

As most remember, Penske made an effort to wrap up a deal with the OEM to save Saturn, but the agreement apparently fell through at the last minute.

"As we look to enhance the position of the smart brand, Jill's background and experience will help us reinvigorate the dealer network and bring a greater awareness to the smart brand," said company chairman Roger Penske.

"I would like to thank Dave for his efforts over the last three and a half years with smart USA," he added. "His contributions were instrumental in helping us bring smart to the United States."