FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Zotye Builds US Marketing Team

Chinese automaker Zotye announced has appointed Jan Thompson and Susan Bland Norton to VP positions on its Southern California marketing team.

February 19, 2019
Zotye Builds US Marketing Team

Zotye USA has appointed two VPs to its marketing department. The move signals a new phase in the Chinese automaker’s foray into the North American market, which include a CUV based on the T700.

Photo courtesy Zotye USA

2 min to read


LAKE FOREST, Calif. — Jan Thompson and Susan Bland Norton have been named senior vice president and vice president of marketing, respectively, by HAAH Automotive Holdings, the Zhejiang, China-based parent company of Zotye USA. Zotye announced plans to recruit U.S. dealers in November.

“HAAH and Zotye USA’s approach is one of disruption of the entire new vehicle marketing and sales process in the U.S. Jan’s career in marketing has been dedicated to finding new ways to communicate efficiently and effectively, throwing out many traditional approaches and taking every advantage of all that the digital world has to offer,” said HAAH Chairman and CEO Duke Hale. “In addition, we’re fortunate to have Susan Bland Norton joining Jan’s team. Susan’s deep experience in marketing combined with experience in finance and the retail auto business will be very important in supporting our dealers’ sales efforts.”

Ad Loading...

Norton begins her duties immediately at Zotye USA’s Lake Forest, Calif., headquarters. Thompson joins the company March 1.

“Loving the auto industry as I do, I can’t imagine a bigger thrill than to launch a new automotive brand in the United States,” Norton said. “The Zotye USA brand is going to be especially exciting as it is dedicated to making things simple, fast and easy for new vehicle buyers and dealers. We’ll be bringing the manufacturer, the distributor, the dealer and the customer together in a brand-new way. I can’t wait to get started.”

“I’ve become convinced that those of us in the auto industry need to provide a new, better, no-haggle, no-hassle, highly digital way of doing business for new-vehicle buyers,” said Thompson. “I believe the vision that Duke Hale has is not just possible, but necessary for future success. I look forward to being part of the team that will bring that promise to reality.”

Topics:Showroom

Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today

More Showroom

Photo of multiple new SUVs on a car dealership lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 22, 2026

State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads

The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.

Read More →
Map of Europe next to back of EV car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 22, 2026

European EV Market Hits Record

Seven out of the top 10 electric vehicles sold so far in 2026 in Europe are by European brands, and automakers are seeing the power train fill up their order books.

Read More →
Person pumping gas into car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 17, 2026

Used EVs Outpace New

While North American electric-vehicle sales remain down year-over-year, May sales saw a 3% increase from April’s numbers as used EVs led the market.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Dodge emblem on orange vehicle
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 15, 2026

New Vehicles Down for Most Brands

Healthy May sales cut into inventory as automakers kept a tight reign on supply, though some brands ended the month with excess units on the ground.

Read More →
Photo of the back of an electric Mercedes
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJune 10, 2026

Auto Prices Ride May Moderation

Flat ATPs and asking prices clocked in below long-term averages for the month, though some segments saw significant price gains, reported Cox Automotive.

Read More →
Orange Mitsubishi car on grass
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJune 8, 2026

Mitsubishi Sets Growth Strategy, Structural Transformation

The Japanese automaker aims to 'strengthen products and technologies that embody its brand identity,' focus on its strongest markets and expand value-chain businesses 'that leverage its unique strengths.'

Read More →
Ad Loading...
inside of car, view of steering wheel with hands on it driving
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 29, 2026

Affordable, Safe Cars for Teen Drivers

Families looking to balance affordability and safety in vehicles for their teen drivers can look to the updated list of recommended vehicles by IIHS and Consumer Reports.

Read More →
Gray-scale photo of a line of Mini cars in a dealership parking lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellMay 27, 2026

Auto Dealers Feel Better But Not Great

A second-quarter Cox Automotive poll of franchised retailers and independents found better views of the current market after a good spring but anticipation of third-quarter storminess.

Read More →
exterior daytime image of Porsche North Miami dealership
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 22, 2026

Holman Opens Porsche Dealership in Miami

The North Miami store features the brand’s signature Destination Porsche design concept, combining contemporary architecture and technology to create what the auto group calls an ultra-luxury experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Outside of a Cadillac dealership.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceMay 20, 2026

Chicago to Gain Cadillac Rooftop in 2027

The two-story Cadillac dealership is being constructed at the former Lincoln Yards site, owned and operated by Canada-based Jack Carter Auto Group.

Read More →