Fri, Jul 22, 2005

Upgraded: Mark Darling Named Cirrus VP, Mktg

Cirrus Design has named Mark Darling to the CIRRUS team as Vice President of Marketing. Formerly a Vice President of Marketing with premium import auto manufacturer Subaru of America, Inc., Darling has also held a number of executive positions with American Isuzu Motors, Inc. and top automotive leaders Honda and Volkswagen.

"A number of key CIRRUS managers have come from the automotive industry, and together we've been able to take the best practices from these renowned companies and integrate them with our own aviation expertise to create the best-selling airplane in the world," said company co-founder and Executive Vice President Dale Klapmeier.

Having rolled out its 2000th airplane last month, CIRRUS - with plants in Duluth, Minnesota and Grand Forks, North Dakota - has rejuvenated the General Aviation market with its innovative brand of personal transportation aircraft.

"It's exciting to join CIRRUS," said Darling, "which is recognized globally as the industry leader. As an avid pilot I'm very familiar with the company's dynamic role in the personal transportation market, their strong reputation for quality, and their overall dedication to safety. I plan to use my background in global strategic marketing to leverage CIRRUS' brand position as the leading manufacturer of general aviation aircraft in the world."

"Mark's valuable experience in the premium automotive industry will greatly benefit CIRRUS in a variety of marketing initiatives that include broadening our marketshare to attract new customers and increase the public's participation in and enjoyment of General Aviation," said co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Alan Klapmeier.

Cirrus is one of the world's leading manufacturers of personal aviation aircraft by providing unprecedented levels of performance, quality and safety. Cirrus markets the popular SR-20 and SR-22 composite personal aviation aircraft incorporating advanced technologies into their design - including the unique Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS™).

With a direct sales force in North America and sales centers across South America, Europe, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Russia, Cirrus is a recognized global leader in the design and production of high-performance single engine aircraft.