DORAL, Fla. — The Hytec Automotive Group LLC (Hytec) today announced it has named Michael B. Bland, vice president of sales for its North American aftermarket business operations. Bland most recently was with The Maple Leaf Automotive Group, Mississauga, Ontario, and brings with him extensive professional sales management experience in the automotive industry, the company says. In this new role, Bland will work under the direction of Robert Van Gorkom, president, Hytec North American sales and will report directly to COO Gilberto Lopez.

“With great pride we welcome Michael Bland to the Hytec family,” said Lopez. “Michael’s valuable aftermarket industry experience will be critical to our continued success as we move forward with drive and a strong commitment into key North American automotive aftermarket business hubs.”

As vice president of North American sales, Bland’s main responsibility will be to help maintain Hytec’s primary position as a leading supplier of TS-16949 certified aftermarket water pumps, shock absorbers, hub bearings, wheel hubs, batteries, fuel pumps, transmission belts and fan clutches. Bland has worked for more than 20 years in the automotive industry and held several leadership positions with prestigious companies such as Schaeffler Automotive Group, USA, Walker Products, Prestolite Wire and ITT Automotive (North America).

“I look forward to bringing my vast automotive aftermarket industry sales experience to Hytec,” says Bland.  “Having an in-depth understanding of all segments of the automotive industry including traditional retail, national installer and program distribution should afford Hytec the opportunity to penetrate new and growth-oriented aftermarket niches. In addition, I look to maintain strong OE and OE service marketing relationships with such industry leaders as Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, NAPA, O’Reilly Auto Parts, ACDelco and Motorcraft.”

For more information on Hytec, call (888) 498-3228 or visit www.hytecauto.com.