VENICE, Calif. — Mota Motors, a provider of online vehicle certification and selling platforms, announced that automotive digital marketing pioneer Jeffrey Schwartz was appointed president and CEO. Schwartz will also serve as a member of the company’s board of directors.

Schwartz was at the forefront of the evolution and development of the automotive Internet, serving as president and CEO of the two companies that pioneered online automotive commerce: AutoWeb and Autobytel. He brings more than 15 years of experience digital marketing to Mota.

"We are very pleased to welcome Jeffrey to the Mota team," said Mota Motors Board Chairman and IronPlanet Founder Reza Bundy. "Jeffrey has an impressive track record of leadership and success in the digital automotive space and a deep understanding of both automotive consumers and dealers."

During Schwartz's tenure at Autobytel, the company emerged as a leader in the digital automotive space and expanded its customer list to include every major automotive manufacturer and more than 25,000 automotive retail relationships. Schwartz also grew Autobytel's market share of new-car buyers to 9 percent, representing more than $40 billion in annual gross market sales for its dealer customers, according to the company.

Schwartz's also founded automotive media and marketing company, TraderNet, and served as chairman AutoCentro, an auto dealership group that focused on the Hispanic market. Prior to his tenure at AutoWeb, Schwartz, held various executive positions at The Walt Disney Company, including vice president of corporate affairs.

"The energy, human capital, and cutting-edge technology at Mota, combined with its commitment to making the Internet the simplest, safest and smartest place to buy or sell a used vehicle, is truly inspiring," said Schwartz. "I look forward to working with the Mota team to bring new products to the used-car marketplace that will not only improve used-car buyer confidence, but also provide increased sales and profits for auto dealers and private sellers."