Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius has been named as the next president of lobby group the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).
He will replace Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, who won the position at the start of 2023 and has now served the maximum two-year term.
Källenius said he would focus on “improving regulatory conditions with the goal of sharpening our competitive edge in the digital and electric era”.
He added that the ACEA would work towards a “market-driven decarbonisation of our industry”, hinting that it may lobby European Union officials to slow the pace at which it mandates the transition to EVs.
His nomination comes days after Stellantis announced that it would rejoin the ACEA, following the resignation of its former CEO Carlos Tavares.
De Meo said: “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.
“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.
“I know this is a conviction shared with Ola Källenius. He can count on my full support as he takes over as the new ACEA president.”
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