Season’s greetings from ACEA
The world we live in continues to challenge us, and 2024 has, by any standard, been a remarkable year.
With geopolitical tension continuously on the rise, outright scenes of war now a frightful new normal, and natural disasters causing havoc to thousands of livelihoods, we’ve witnessed and experienced developments that will reverberate for years to come.
Add to that the global election ‘super year’, which has clearly shifted the political power balance in the EU, the US and other major regions, plus an increasingly hostile wrangling over critical resources and economic dominance, and one could be forgiven having feelings of gloom.
Yet, I dare say we‘ve also seen the collective force of resilience, commitment, and adaptability that offer reason to remain optimistic about the trajectory ahead.
European values, the rule of law, democratic strength, industrial innovation and belief in the future – these are ultimately no hollow concepts, and they remain to be recognised and made to count.
2025, then, presents a fresh opportunity to build upon our collective strengths and work towards a better future.
As for the automotive industry, our sector’s transformation amid such challenging geo-economical circumstances is more existential than ever. And also, here, we enter 2025 on a positive note. With Stellantis rejoining the ACEA family, we stand united again. We will build upon the excellent work of outgoing President Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, who helped put the need for an industrial strategy on Europe’s map. And we continue “driving the future” under the incoming ACEA President, Ola Källenius of the Mercedes-Benz Group: a future of sustainable mobility for all, delivered by a prosperous vehicle industry in Europe.
The ACEA team has made substantial contributions in 2024 across all domains of industrial, transport, environmental, trade, digital, and other technical policies. The unique, innovative ACEA #FutureDriven Experience Centre, too, was a resounding success, attracting over one thousand colleagues, friends, and stakeholders to over thirty events in the heart of the Brussels European Quarter, and reaching a multitude of that online.
We will continue to be at the forefront of the EU’s work to provide zero-emissions mobility and transport, and we look forward to continuing working with you on this journey to ensure success.
On behalf of the ACEA family, a big ‘thank you’ to all we’ve worked with and sometimes crossed the metaphorical sword with. Thank you for your trust, cooperation, and continuous dialogue.
I would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday, a festive season bestowed with peace and serenity, and a prosperous new year!
Warm regards,
Sigrid de Vries
Director General
European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)
We will continue to be at the forefront of the EU’s work to provide zero-emissions mobility and transport, and we look forward to continuing working with you on this journey to ensure success.
