March 11 (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz said on Tuesday it has

appointed Jason Hoff to the newly created role of North America CEO, effective

May 1 as the German maker looks to strengthen its focus on the U.S., its

second-largest market.

Hoff, currently Head of Quality for Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans, will be

responsible for the overall strategic direction of the German luxury carmaker in

the U.S.

The company, which exports high-end vehicles and sedans to the U.S. from

Europe, said it is consolidating its research and development, sales and

marketing activities in the U.S. under the new role.

Mercedes, which operates a global SUV manufacturing hub in Tuscaloosa,

Alabama, reported strong U.S. sales last year, with 324,500 passenger cars and

49,600 vans sold.

"This new position will ensure continued growth and increased synergies in

the U.S. by bundling our activities and subsidiaries under one roof," said Ola

Kaellenius, Mercedes-Benz Group AG's CEO.

Mercedes-Benz CFO Harald Wilhelm said last month the carmaker would localize

more production at its Tuscaloosa plant to shield itself from potential tariffs.

A company spokesperson declined to comment on how the company's U.S.

operations would change under Hoff's leadership.