The Board of directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has elected Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler, as its president for 2016.

Speaking after his election, Dr Zetsche said: “I am particularly honoured to lead ACEA next year, as 2016 marks the association’s 25th anniversary. This will be an opportunity to build on the progress made by our industry over the past two and a half decades, and to tackle future innovation and challenges.”

“Key priorities in the coming years include decarbonising road transport, improving air quality, and paving the way for connected and autonomous vehicles – which are all an important part of our response to meeting tomorrow's transportation needs,” Zetsche explained.

ACEA will also continue to contribute constructively to the on-going process to update and strengthen testing requirements for exhaust pollutant as well as CO2 emissions.

Dr Zetsche will take over the reins from Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault Group. ACEA’s president is elected for a year-long term, once renewable, from the CEOs, presidents or Chairmen of its member companies.

ACEA represents the 15 Europe-based car, van, truck and bus manufacturers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford of Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco, Jaguar Land Rover, Opel Group, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, Volvo Cars, Volvo Group. ACEA’s Board of Directors is made up of the CEOs of association’s member companies.