Under Krafcik's tenure with the automaker, Hyundai Motor America experienced dramatic increases in sales volume and market share, while garnering numerous prestigious industry awards. During the same time period, the 2009 Genesis and 2012 Elantra took top honors as "North American Car of the Year," while numerous Hyundai models received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick" designation. Incoming President and CEO Zuchowski joined Hyundai Motor America in February 2007 as vice president of sales with responsibility for all sales, sales operations, market representation, field operations, and overall dealer relations. Zuchowski was previously with Mazda North America, where he served as vice president of sales and field operations, and began his career in 1980 at Ford Motor Company.