Former Michelin Man Carlos Ghosn Elected 2009 ACEA President

The Board of Directors of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), has elected Carlos Ghosn as its new president. Ghosn, CEO of Renault, will take over from Christian Streiff, CEO of PSA Peugeot Citroën, on 1 January 2009. Ghosn, whose extensive experience in the industry includes some two decades with Michelin, has held in current position as president and CEO of Renault since 2005.

“The global automotive industry is facing two significant challenges with a severe financial meltdown twinned with an economic recession, and a major transition to low-emission vehicles. In this context, an effective dialogue with EU institutions and governments is more important than ever”, said Ghosn, reflecting on the expected priorities of his term as ACEA president. He reiterated the automotive industry’s call for normalisation of credits markets, financial support to strategic investments and a range of national incentives to boost the market. “It is vital that our industry can keep fulfilling its key role in Europe in terms of growth, investments, employment and technological leadership.”

“It has been a dynamic year for ACEA with the CO2-emission regulation for passenger cars on the top of the agenda as part of Europe’s ambitious commitment to energy and climate-change management”, added Streiff. “It is essential that ACEA continues to express a shared, clear and strong vision on the many issues affecting the automobile industry, especially at a time when it faces an unprecedented crisis.”

Carlos Ghosn joined Michelin in 1978 as plant manager at the company’s facility in Le Puy, France, before being appointed head of research and development for industrial tyres in Ladoux. He became COO of Michelin’s South American operations, then chairman and CEO of Michelin North America in 1990. He joined Renault as executive vice president in 1996. He was appointed COO of Nissan Motor in June 1999, president in 2000, CEO in 2001. Since May 2005, has served as president and CEO of Renault and remains president and CEO of Nissan.