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Rolf Eckrodt, the president and chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (pictured right), has stepped down.

A new president is expected to be appointed soon but until then Keiichiro Hashimoto, board member and chief financial officer, will take control of the business.

“I wish Mitsubishi and especially it's many motivated and excellent employees will continue the numerous positive processes initiated. I hope that the support from the shareholders' side will ensure a prosperous and successful future for the company,” says Eckrodt.

Eckrodt joined Mitsubishi in January 2001 as chief operating officer in charge of passenger car operations and was elected president on June 25, 2002.