Europe’s Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) has elected Thorsten Muschal as new president for the 2020-21 term, succeeding Roberto Vavassori, who had held the position since 2016.
Muschal is EVP responsible for Sales and Programme Management at Faurecia, the Paris-headquartered multinational. He has been CLEPA VP for the past four years.
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“Automotive suppliers are key contributors to change in mobility and industry,” said Muschal. “Europe must succeed in reaping the industrial benefits of climate and digital leadership, and on this crucial question, CLEPA stands ready to help with technology solutions and proposals for policy.
“I warmly thank Roberto Vavassori for his important work over the past years and look forward to working with the CLEPA team on further strengthening the voice of our industry.”
The automotive industry is undergoing the biggest transformation in more than 100 years — to a large part because of the need to decarbonise transport. The other two major trends are assisted and automated driving, as well as data-fuelled connectivity, which enables new mobility types and services.
“At CLEPA, we are convinced no-one can master these challenges on their own and we believe in European solutions to find and work together,” added Muschal.
“The urgency to deliver is extremely high. For Europe to secure autonomy in the field of new mobility, which is safe, sustainable and smart, and to compete effectively with other world regions while sustaining high levels of employment and innovation in Europe, there are high levels of investments needed in renewable energy, energy infrastructure, secure and fast connectivity as well as in critical technologies, innovation and skills.”
“As consumer priorities and ever-stricter emissions regulations transform the automotive industry, CLEPA is committed to working with policymakers and nurturing the business conditions that ensure European suppliers maintain their leading position on the global market.”
