SANTA MONICA, CA- David Funston has been appointed to vice president, fleet and commercial sales, for CODA Automotive, a Calif.-based all-electric car and battery company.

In his new role, Funston is charged with marketing the all-electric CODA sedan to commercial fleet customers including institutions, corporations, and municipalities.

"The Coda sedan is a practical and affordable option for commercial fleet managers interested in reducing and stabilizing fixed energy costs while improving the carbon footprint of their organizations," said Kevin Czinger, president and CEO of Coda Automotive. "We are confident that David's extensive network and industry knowledge will help Coda to significantly impact this important market." 

An automotive industry veteran, Funston has more than two decades of experience in fleet sales development, vehicle remarketing, distribution, logistics and business management. 

Prior to joining Coda Automotive, Funston was president of Funston Fleet Services Inc., a fleet sales and vehicle remarketing consultancy that he founded and operated since 2002. In this capacity, Funston served as a consultant to OEMs, dealer groups and fleet accounts, with a focus on fleet sales development and used vehicle remarketing. 

"The opportunity to join a company reinventing every facet of the automotive industry -- from engineering to sales and marketing -- is truly exciting," said Funston. "As fleet managers recognize the practical and economic benefits of all-electric vehicles, namely a significant reduction in total cost of ownership, demand from this segment will quickly increase." 

Before founding Funston Fleet Services, Funston was the executive manager of fleet and remarketing at American Isuzu Motors. At Isuzu, he was instrumental in developing and implementing a strategic fleet plan that resulted in significant improvements in Isuzu's fleet operations profitability while yielding an increase in used vehicle residual values. 

Prior to Isuzu, Funston spent a decade with Hyundai Motor America in numerous management positions culminating in him overseeing nationwide fleet sales, remarketing operations, distribution and production planning as national manager of fleet, remarketing and distribution. 

Funston also held field service positions with Chevrolet Motor Division earlier in his career. He holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Southern California.