ACEA presidency transitions to new mandate as Stellantis membership approved
Brussels, 11 December 2024 – The Board of Directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has elected Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Mercedes-Benz Group, as its new President, who will assume this function from 1 January 2025.
Mr Källenius will take over the presidency from Renault Group’s CEO, Luca de Meo, who has held the position for the last two years. The Board has also today approved membership of Stellantis N.V. who will join ACEA on 1 January 2025.
ACEA’s outgoing President and CEO of Renault Group, Luca de Meo: “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. On my side, I remain fully dedicated to making Europe’s industry move forward.”
ACEA’s incoming President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius: “ACEA is one of the most relevant and trusted industry voices in Brussels. I’m honoured to be taking over from Luca de Meo as ACEA president at such a critical moment for Europe’s automotive industry. Thank you to the members of ACEA for placing their trust in me, and to the entire ACEA team who are tirelessly bolstering the standing of our industry with the political institutions in Brussels.”
“During my presidency, ACEA will focus on improving regulatory conditions with the goal of sharpening our competitive edge in the digital and electric era. We will work towards fostering a market-driven decarbonisation of our industry. 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.”
The ACEA President is elected for a year-long term, once renewable, from the CEOs of its member companies – 14 of the largest Europe-based car, van, truck, and bus manufacturers operating globally.
The Board of Directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has elected Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group, as its new President, who will assume this function from 1 January 2025.
Notes for editors
- Biography of Ola Källenius: https://group.mercedes-benz.com/company/tradition/ceos/kaellenius.html
- Stellantis company info: https://www.stellantis.com/en/company/about-us
About ACEA
- The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents the 16 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault Group, Stellantis, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Group.
- Visit www.acea.auto for more information about ACEA, and follow us on https://www.x.com/ACEA_auto or http://www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/
Contact:
- Ben Kennard, Head of Communications, bk@acea.auto, +32 (0) 2 738 73 17
- Julien Hoez, Media Relations Manager, jh@acea.auto, +32 (0) 2 738 73 45
About the EU automobile industry
- 13.2 million Europeans work in the automotive sector
- 10.3% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU
- €383.7 billion in tax revenue for European governments
- €106.7 billion trade surplus for the European Union
- Over 7.5% of EU GDP generated by the auto industry
- €72.8 billion in R&D spending annually, 33% of EU total
