Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius is to head the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association - the industry's lobby in Brussels - from 1 January 2025, the association announced on Wednesday.
The ACEA board of directors elected Källenius to replace Renault boss Luca de Meo; appointed in 2023, De Meo is coming to the end of his two one-year terms.
ACEA has also approved the return of Stellantis, which had left the board in 2023, following the exit in early December of its CEO Carlos Tavares. Tavares had opposed, in particular, ACEA's commitment to revising CO2 emissions targets set by the European Union.
“Now is the time to play more collaborative than ever in Europe. Welcoming Stellantis back to ACEA is a signal that the industry is stronger when acting with a common voice," De Meo stressed.
"European auto makers are facing an unprecedented competitiveness crisis while also managing a highly challenging decarbonisation transition – at this critical moment the unity of our sector is paramount," the outgoing ACEA head added.
ACEA brings together 14 of Europe's leading car, van, truck and bus manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota, Ford, Ferrari, DAF Trucks and Daimler Truck. Its president is elected for a year-long term, once renewable, from among the CEOs of its member companies.
The incoming president said he was delighted to be taking the helm of ACEA "at such a critical time for the European automotive industry."
ACEA will focus on "improving regulatory conditions with the goal of sharpening our competitive edge in the digital and electric era," he said, at a time when competition from China is threatening Europe's share of the global e-vehicle market.
"We will work towards fostering a market-driven decarbonisation of our industry," Källenius added, "and we will champion international trade that is free, fair and rule based."
"I’m confident the EU automotive industry has what it takes to succeed in the global competition,” he stressed.
