Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, is poised for a second term as president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), a move sparking renewed scrutiny of the industry’s lobbying efforts within the European Union. According to sources cited by the Handelsblatt, Källenius, who assumed the role in January, intends to seek a further year at the helm of the influential body. A board of directors vote scheduled for early December is widely anticipated to be a formality.
ACEA functions as the primary lobbying organization representing the European automotive sector at the EU level. It claims to represent an industry employing directly and indirectly 13.6 million people across Europe, encompassing 16 major vehicle manufacturers including passenger cars, trucks, vans and buses. The association wields considerable influence on EU policy decisions shaping the future of transportation.
Källenius’s tenure has been characterized by a persistent push for a softening of the EU’s stringent climate protection regulations. His lobbying efforts directly clash with ongoing deliberations within European institutions concerning the 2035 deadline for the cessation of new combustion engine vehicle sales. Critics argue that Källenius’s advocacy poses a significant obstacle to achieving the EU’s ambitious climate goals and risks undermining years of progress towards sustainable transportation.
The timing of his potential reappointment raises questions about the extent to which the automotive industry is able to shape regulatory frameworks despite growing pressure for accelerated decarbonization. While the ACEA frames its role as advocating for the “interests” of a vital European industry, concerns persist that its considerable resources are being leveraged to delay and potentially derail crucial environmental policies. The ease with which Källenius is expected to secure a second term further amplifies these concerns, suggesting a powerful and potentially unchecked influence on EU decision-making processes.