SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. — DCH Auto Group, which operates more than 25 franchise dealerships, revealed changes to its executive team on Monday, including the appointment of a new president.

The company announced that taking over as president of DCH Auto Operations for Susan Scarola will be George Liang. Meanwhile, Scarola will assume new responsibilities as vice chairman of the company, assisting chairman Shau-wai Lam with the strategic direction of the company and making sure its interests are represented in public forums.

DCH Auto Group mentioned Liang's role as the overseer of all auto operations will entail the expansion of the foundation established by his predecessors. He joined DCH in 1988 after serving as vice president of Banque National de Paris in Hong Kong for 11 years.

Liang's tenure with DCH commenced at Freehold Toyota in Freehold, N.J. Five year later, he became regional manager of DCH's Ventura County, Calif., dealerships and then took on responsibility for all of the group's California dealerships in 2001.

DCH moved Liang back to the East Coast in 2004 to be senior vice president and chief operating officer of the group's Eastern Region, the position he held until this promotion.

"Over the last several years, DCH has set a long-term goal of further growing a company that operates at the highest levels of performance and integrity, which we call 'The DCH Way,'" Liang explained.

"My focus will be to continue that work, ensuring this prosperous company will always be a distinctive and heralded retailer," he added.

DCH is headquartered in South Amboy, N.J., and owns and operates 27 franchise dealerships for more than 10 brands, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Jeep, Lexus, Nissan, Scion and Toyota. The stores are located in southern California, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.

Lam believes the company made the correct decision in promoting Liang into this role.

"A cornerstone of success is the development of a strong management team prepared to lead the company under any and all circumstances," Lam insisted

"We are confident that George will continue the company's growth, adhering to DCH's core values, and lead us to the achievement of our long-term goals," Lam concluded.