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VDA elects new president |
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Matthias Wissmann, a former minister for transport, has been chosen to guide the influential German Association of the Automotive Industry in the on-going climate change debate.
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2007-03-27
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Matthias Wissmann replaces Bernd Gottschalk who resigned two weeks ago after loosing the support of influential car manufacturers, which are facing rising pressure to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles. The new president is expected to bring a more dynamic environmental leadership to the car industry’s main lobby group. His designation by unanimous vote is seen as a fast move to build up momentum in the climate change debate, and initiate a climate of innovation.
The German car industry came under fire after the European Union decided to cut car emissions by 20% by 2020 as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. VDA members blamed their former president Gottschalk of reacting inappropriately in the climate change discussions that followed the EU decision.
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Profile
Matthias Wissmann, former minister for transport and a present member of the German parliament for the Christian Democrats, is known to be an expert in research, transport and economic policy, besides a good communicator. He has already announced he will strengthen the communication with the public while calling at the same time on the German car industry to "step up a gear" in environmental performance.
He will take office on 1 June after having left the German parliament.
Reactions
"The VDA could win an absolutely qualified candidate for this challenging task. He is our desired candidate and everyone in the VDA supports his election," said Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler and VDA's Vice President.
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"Matthias Wissmann is known for his realistic approach. The Federal Ministry for the Environment is looking forward to a fruitful cooperation. We are ready to continue talks about reducing CO2 emissions from new cars to an average of 120 g/km right after his election," welcomed German Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel the nomination already on Friday.
Alvaro de Oña
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More information:
› See our related news from 13 March
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