ACEA appoints new director general

ACEA appoints new director general

10 September 2019

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has announced the appointment of Eric-Mark Huitema as its new director general.

Huitema will succeed Erik Jonnaert, who is stepping down as secretary general after six years at the helm of the association, which represents the 15 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus manufacturers.

Jonnaert will hand over to Huitema on 1 October. The Dutch national joins ACEA from IBM where he acted as Global Smarter Transportation Leader. Previously he worked in the IT sector, including for internet start-up Chello Benelux, which he co-founded, EDS International and Philips Electronics. 

Future background

′As the future of the auto industry is connected and digital, Mr Huitema's background will be highly relevant to take us through some of the major transformations ahead,' comments Carlos Tavares, ACEA president and chairman of PSA Group.

′On behalf of ACEA's Board of Directors, I would like to thank Erik Jonnaert for his untiring commitment to the association and our industry over the last very intense years.'

′This is a really exciting time to be leading the EU auto sector's association,' adds Huitema. ′I look forward to playing my part in helping the industry rise to the new challenges, while at the same time ensuring that it maintains its leadership on the world stage.'

Four pillars

Meanwhile, the organisation has launched its manifesto for the future of the EU automotive industry.

The 2019-2024 ACEA Manifesto puts forward the key pillars to foster collaboration with policymakers. It comes right at the start of a new political term in Brussels, with a newly-elected European Parliament in place and the next European Commission under construction. The four pillars are:

• Delivering clean and safe mobility, with the objective of enabling the transition to zero emissions and zero fatalities.
• Making road transport smart and convenient, with a view to establishing the EU as a world leader in consumer-focused, innovative mobility solutions.
• Ensuring affordable mobility and choice for all citizens, meeting the diverse needs of all Europeans, regardless of their financial means.
• Safeguarding a thriving and globally competitive industry, which can continue to contribute to employment and economic growth in the European Union.

′Our manifesto reconfirms what we as an industry stand for, and what we need to achieve together with policymakers, in the interest of all European citizens,' says Tavares.

′The aim is to shape the transformation of mobility – while at the same time ensuring that our sector maintains its global leadership and can continue to contribute to the EU economy,' Tavares said. ′We need to take a 360 degrees approach.'