He has joined Mercedes after 16 years with Toyota Australia, most recently as product public relations manager.

Mr Rodriguez, who has a bachelor of engineering (B.Eng.) focused in mechanical engineering from Monash University, has worked in a variety of fields in the automotive industry.

These include product public relations, product planning, lifecycle management, design and development, project management and engineering.

He said he was ecstatic about the new role at Mercedes and looked forward to working with “some of the best people in the business”.

“The products are amazing and I am sure that the team there will help add some polish to my skills,” he said.

Mr Rodriguez also paid tribute to his previous employer.

“The people of Toyota Motor Corporation Australia have given me great opportunities to learn and grow and allowed me the opportunity to make the career change from engineering to public relations,” he said

“I am extremely grateful to all those who have helped me along the way (too many to mention by name) and will miss many good people I have worked with over the years.

“I am looking forward to accomplishing great things with my new team at Mercedes and can’t wait to experience and share all the exciting new products coming our way.”

By Neil Dowling