DaimlerChrysler Services Announces New Executive Appointments
DaimlerChrysler Services North America has announced the appointment of several key executives.
Paul Knauss is appointed vice president - Chrysler Financial, reporting to Juergen Walker, president and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Services North America.
Knauss is now responsible for all of the activities in North America and Canada plus DaimlerChrysler Insurance Company.
Knauss replaces Thomas McAlear who is retiring “in order to pursue other opportunities”.
Mark Manzo, formerly vice president - Chrysler brands marketing, will replace Knauss as vice president - customer service reporting to Walker.
Manzo will be responsible for organizational strategy development and operations for collections, customer service, vehicle remarketing and credit card.
Dietmar Exler is appointed vice president - Chrysler brands marketing reporting to Knauss. Exler is responsible for the marketing activities of the Chrysler Financial brand. In his previous position, Exler served as senior manager - operations program management.
Martin Geers is appointed to the newly created position of vice president - communications and corporate marketing reporting to Walker. He will oversee the entire operations in communications, public relations, event marketing and marketing communications.
Geers previously was head of international communications and public relations for the Chrysler Group in Auburn Hills and has been with DaimlerChrysler since 1985.
More F&I

Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity
A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.
Read More →
Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life
Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.
Read More →