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 red SUV parked outside a car dealership after dark
Showroomby Hannah MitchellSeptember 9, 2026

Dealers a Little Down

A third-quarter Cox Automotive survey finds them in a mixed mood, bummed by fallen customer traffic but encouraged by better profits, costs and EV interest.

Read More →
Silver car driving down road with graphic that says “Europe Plugs In”
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceSeptember 9, 2026

European EV Sales Skyrocket

The EV market on the continent held strong in July with almost 25% of new-car sales being fully electric units, a stark contrast to the U.S., where EV sales declined about 42%.

Read More →
Mitsubishi shadow line-up
Showroomby Hannah MitchellAugust 25, 2026

Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan

The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rear view of a red Hyundai Elantra
Showroomby Hannah MitchellAugust 17, 2026

Used Lots Getting the Business

Many consumers are seeking out the units to save money, and the demand – higher in July than normal – is keeping supply limited and prices up.

Read More →
outside shot of two trucks in front of a body of water with a cloudy sky
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 29, 2026

Used Market Stabilizes

The Carfax Used Car Index noted a major drop in used-vehicle price increases in July after several months of hikes.

Read More →
Twilight of white hybrid car.
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 22, 2026

California Hybrids Reach State Record

The Golden State still leads the country in electric-vehicle registrations, but much like the rest of the U.S. its hybrid market share is up while full electrics stabilize after a dramatic first-quarter dip.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
White meeting room in car dealership with rims displayed on wall and projected screen
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 22, 2026

My Mercedes in the U.S.

The German brand debuted its studio dealership concept for the first time in the states in Los Angeles, tapping Americans’ penchant for creative distinctions.

Read More →
Photo of parked cars of various types for sale on a lot
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 20, 2026

Used Sales Hit Summer Drag

The vacation season, combined with high prices, has dented deliveries and added to inventories, though supply is still slim enough to keep listings elevated.

Read More →
desert road with cars driving away, Rebates Incoming with red star graphic, F&I and Showroom logo
Showroomby Lauren LawrenceJuly 15, 2026

California Launches EV Rebate Program

Participating automakers are matching the state's $13.5 million investment in new electric-vehicle rebates scheduled to take effect later this summer.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Aerial shot of a car dealership
Showroomby Hannah MitchellJuly 13, 2026

OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution

Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.

Read More →