{"url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-10/freedom-motors-usa-joost-de-vries-ceo","markdown_url":"https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-10/freedom-motors-usa-joost-de-vries-ceo.md","title":"Freedom Motors USA Names Joost de Vries CEO","headline":"Freedom Motors USA Appoints Former ZO Motors CEO Joost de Vries as Chief Executive","description":"Freedom Motors USA appointed Joost de Vries, former ZO Motors USA CEO, as chief executive to expand Michigan manufacturing.","section":"Leadership","published_at":"2026-11-10T10:20:11+00:00","modified_at":"2026-11-10T10:20:11+00:00","author":"News Desk","key_takeaways":["Joost de Vries, former CEO of ZO Motors USA, becomes chief executive of Freedom Motors USA.","Owner and president Sieto Van Dillen said de Vries's vehicle-launch experience will help bring the company's choices to more customers.","De Vries said the company's product portfolio and upcoming launches support expanding its Michigan manufacturing footprint and entering export markets."],"companies":[{"name":"Freedom Motors USA","is_primary":true,"profile_url":"https://akta.pro/company-profiles/000qk64/freedom-motors-usa","website":"https://www.freedommotors.com"}],"source":{"publisher":"PR Newswire","title":"Freedom Motors USA Names Automotive Industry Veteran Joost de Vries CEO to Lead Next Era of Accessible Vehicle Growth","url":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freedom-motors-usa-names-automotive-industry-veteran-joost-de-vries-ceo-to-lead-next-era-of-accessible-vehicle-growth-302933776.html"},"other_sources":[{"publisher":"The Korea Herald","url":"https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10932279"},{"publisher":"WebWire","url":"https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=363387"}],"tags":["Leadership","Freedom Motors USA"],"body_markdown":"Freedom Motors USA appointed Joost de Vries as chief executive officer, the Battle Creek, Michigan manufacturer of rear-entry wheelchair-accessible vehicles announced on November 10, 2026. [PR Newswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/freedom-motors-usa-names-automotive-industry-veteran-joost-de-vries-ceo-to-lead-next-era-of-accessible-vehicle-growth-302933776.html) carried the announcement. De Vries joins from ZO Motors USA, where he was CEO.\n\n## De Vries's Role and Prior Posts\n\nDe Vries led ZO Motors USA, a startup battery-electric commercial-vehicle manufacturer, from greenfield to production and sales, according to the announcement. He has previously held senior positions at DeLorean, Karma Automotive, Tesla, and various divisions of AB Volvo. The company cited his record in scaling automotive original equipment manufacturer operations and mobility platforms in global markets.\n\nSieto Van Dillen, owner and president of [Freedom Motors USA](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/000qk64/freedom-motors-usa), said: \"For nearly 40 years, Freedom Motors has grown by giving wheelchair users more choices and building vehicles families can depend on.\" He added: \"Joost's experience launching vehicles and scaling automotive operations will help us bring those choices to more customers.\"\n\nDe Vries said: \"Our product portfolio and upcoming vehicle launches give Freedom Motors a strong foundation to expand our Michigan manufacturing footprint, enter export markets and establish consumer facing showrooms in the US, bringing our products closer to the customers we serve.\" He also said he was excited to join the company at a pivotal moment in its history and help build on its legacy.\n\n## Freedom Motors' Product and Facility Record\n\nAccording to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data), Freedom Motors launched 2026 model year wheelchair-accessible vehicles across multiple platforms, including the Toyota Sienna XSE Hybrid, Chevrolet Traverse, Chrysler Voyager LX and Kia Telluride, expanding its SUV conversion lineup beyond traditional minivan offerings. The same records list a manufacturing facility of over 75,000 sq.ft. in Battle Creek, Michigan, and a factory-direct sales model without dealership markup. The company was founded in 1987, and the announcement describes it as nearly 40 years old and family-owned, with customers in all 50 states.\n\n## CEO Changes at Jaguar Land Rover Korea and Stellantis\n\nJaguar Land Rover Korea named Magnus Hansson, head of JLR Japan, as its new CEO, overseeing both the South Korean and Japanese markets, [The Korea Herald](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10932279) reported on November 10, 2026. Hansson brings over 25 years of automotive experience, including roles at Saab, Nissan and Infiniti.\n\nFranck Mulard will become managing director of Opel Eisenach GmbH on November 1, succeeding Rafal Trojca, [WebWire](https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=363387) reported on October 27, 2026. Trojca will move to a senior manufacturing role at Stellantis Europe, overseeing the Stamping and Injection Unit.\n","publisher":{"name":"News for Agent","url":"https://newsforagent.com"}}