-By Steve Miller

Ford has hired Ken Czubay, a Lexus dealer and one-time Ford executive, as vp-U.S. sales and marketing. Czubay—who has 38 years of experience in the auto industry—will start his new post on July 16, overseeing day-to-day sales and marketing of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands.

Czubay, 59, is currently president of Southeast Toyota Distributors in Deerfield Beach, Fla. He also serves as evp of parent company JM Family Enterprises and as president of JM Lexus, the world's largest volume Lexus dealership.

Czubay will report to another former Toyota executive, Jim Farley, Ford's group vp of marketing and communications, who joined Ford in the fall.

"Having worked closely with Ken over the years, I can tell you that he's truly one of the top sales executives in the auto industry with a long track record of success," Farley said in a statement.

Alluding to Czubay's work with Ford from 1970 to 1983, Farley added, "Ken knows Ford, he knows the auto industry, and has a deep understanding of dealers and all facets of the retailing side of the business."

Ford issued a statement saying that Farley and Czubay "will work together closely on advertising, sales strategies and product introductions."

Reporting to Czubay will be:

- John Felice, who becomes general marketing manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury. Felice was previously a general market manager for Ford and is adding Lincoln Mercury marketing to his duties;
- Randy Ortiz, general sales manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury;
- Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Re-marketing Organization; and
- David Thomas, who was promoted to an expanded role of director, North American Order Management and Sales Planning.

Ford this week reported that total sales, including its Volvo brand, fell 28.1% to 174,091 cars and trucks from 242,029 last June. After 76 years, Ford last year lost its No. 2 spot for U.S. sales to Toyota.