GREENSBORO, N.C. Daimler Buses North America has announced changes to its product support management team, as well as the "top performers" among its various bus units.

Daimler Buses said it has consolidated its product support functions for all brands under Daimler Buses Product Support, and headed by Steve Batho, vice president product support.

"Steves 20 years of experience, combined with his attention to detail for customer solutions allows us to take the next step in optimizing our product support for all of our customers," said Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for Daimler Buses North America.

"Consolidating the product support of all of our brands into one group helps synergize our efforts and maximize our resources, which will only benefit our customers."

For the Setra brand, Paul Conover is transitioning into the role of manager, service engineering from his previous role as Setra product support manager. Scully said Conover will focus on managing field issues for all brands.

Eddie Stout has taken over the supervision of the Setra product support field team. Stout previously served as head of Setras training academy.

Daimler Buses presented its "Top Performers of the Year Awards" at its annual sales, service, parts, and marketing meeting in Greensboro.

Scully said Daimler Buses "enjoyed a successful year in 2009, which is a direct result of the dedication of all of our employees."

In a separate announcement, the company has singled out six employees who embody "our values and corporate culture," giving them "the recognition they deserve."

This years top performers are:

Sprinter sales, Roger Hawkins; Orion sales, Michael Coote; Setra support, Dennis Walker; Orion support, Wren Mumphrey; parts, Dave DeVerteuil, and marketing, Lynn Aikens.