Mark Roden has been appointed general manager for Toyota and Lexus fleet and vehicle remarketing, taking over from Richard Balshaw after his promotion to sales director.

Roden is currently general manager, marketing and strategy for Lexus, a position he has held since August 2006. He was previously Toyota Network general manager.

“Current market conditions are tough for fleet sales however Toyota Optimal Drive, Hybrid Synergy Drive and Lexus Hybrid Drive present a very strong proposition to fleet managers in terms of whole life costs,” Roden said.

“With a refreshed line up in 2009, plus new generation Prius on sale from this month, the team has already been hard at work introducing the benefits of hybrid technology to fleet managers across the country.”

Roden joins the team after a restructure earlier this year to combine Lexus Corporate to simplify the process for sales of both brands to fleet managers, said Toyota.

He takes up the role from 1 September and will report to Richard Balshaw.