SERGIO Marchionne has been re-elected president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) for 2007.

Marchionne, who is chief executive officer of the Fiat Group, said: ‘These are crucial times for the European automotive industry. The overwhelming challenge is keeping the industry competitive. ‘It is essential that the recommendations of the high-level group CARS 21 to improve the regulatory framework in Europe while improving further the safety on our roads and protecting the environment are respected.’

CARS 21 is a multi-stakeholder forum of European commissioners, national ministers, chief executive officers and consumer representatives, and its overall objective is to make recommendations for increasing the worldwide competitiveness of the EU automotive industry.