Well-Known Analyst Leaves AutoPacific

AutoPacific Inc. has parted ways with well-known and oft-quoted analyst Christopher W. Cedergren over what the Santa Ana automotive consulting company’s founder called “philosophical and professional differences.”

In conjunction with Cedergren’s resignation as senior vice president of AutoPacific and head of its Detroit-based competitive analysis operation, several other employees in the Detroit office also are leaving.

Industry consultant James N. Hall has been hired by AutoPacific as Detroit-based director of industry analysis. The company’s marketing and product consulting services and other research operations will continue to be based in Santa Ana, said AutoPacific President George Peterson.

Peterson, a onetime Ford Motor Co. engineer and former executive with automotive consultant J.D. Power and Associates, started AutoPacific in 1986. He lured Cedergren away from Agoura Hills-based J.D. Power in 1991.