Carlos Ghosn appointed president of European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association

The Board of Directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has elected Carlos Ghosn, chairman and CEO of Renault, as its new president.

Ghosn, who was previously president of ACEA in 2009, takes over from Philippe Varin, former chairman of the Board of Management of PSA Peugeot Citroën. This change is effective immediately.

ACEA secretary general Erik Jonnaert said: "Mr Ghosn will lead ACEA through an important period of political transition in Europe. Under his presidency, ACEA will continue to focus on its key policy recommendations, which are to drive innovation, to foster growth through international trade and to call for a supportive regulatory framework."

Carlos Ghosn joined Michelin in 1978 as manager of the Le Puy plant in France. He became chief operating officer of Michelin's South American activities based in Brazil before being appointed chairman and CEO of Michelin North America in 1989. He joined Renault as EVP in 1996. In addition to supervising Renault activities in Mercosur, he was responsible for research, automobile engineering and development, manufacturing, powertrain operations, and purchasing. Ghosn joined Nissan Motor as chief operating officer in June 1999 and was named CEO in June 2001.

Chairman of Renault since May 2005, he remains chairman and CEO of Nissan. He was appointed chairman and CEO of Renault on May 6, 2009. Ghosn is also a director of AvtoVAZ and a member of the board of directors of Brazilian bank Itau Banco.

ACEA’s members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT SpA, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, IVECO SpA, Jaguar Land Rover, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group.

Around 12.9 million people – or 5.3 percent of the EU employed population – work in the sector. The three million jobs in automotive manufacturing represent 10 percent of EU's manufacturing employment. Motor vehicles account for €387 billion (Rs 3,195,072 crore) in tax contribution in the EU15.

The sector is also a key driver of knowledge and innovation, representing Europe's largest private contributor to R&D, with €32 billion (Rs 264,192 crore) invested annually.

 The automotive sector contributes significantly to the EU trade balance with a €95.7 billion (Rs 790,099 crore) surplus.