After five years of successful leadership as CEO of US sales for Hyundai Motor Company, John Krafcik is leaving his position to be replaced by David Zuchowski.

Mr. Krafcik, who is 52 years-old, has been working under a contract due to expire at the end of 2013, is the most successful leader of Hyundai to date. It is not yet known if Mr. Krafcik is leaving voluntarily or was asked to leave, but under his dynamic and skillful leadership Hyundai’s market share doubled.

“On behalf of Hyundai Motor Co., we sincerely thank John for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, which has driven Hyundai’s record growth over the past five years,” said Im Tak Uk, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Hyundai.

Mr. Krafcik joined Hyundai in 2008 from Ford Motor Company. He will be replaced by David Zuchowski, 55, joined Hyundai in early 2007 as vice president of sales. Before coming to Hyundai Zuchowski was vice president of sales and field operations for Mazda Motor Corporation.