Mr Renschler, a member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and head of the Daimler Trucks Division, replaces Harrie Schippers, president of DAF, who chaired ACEA’s Commercial Vehicle Board for 2012.

Mr Renschler takes on the role as the commercial vehicle sector continues to be particularly badly hit by the current economic crisis.

Commenting on his role for the year ahead, Mr Renschler said: ‘Against this backdrop it is imperative that we have an industrial policy and regulatory framework that enable us to remain competitive. In these challenging times, policy makers must be wary of the real risks of placing an undue burden on our industry though costly and often inconsistent legislative measures. In line with the main conclusions of CARS 21 and CARS 2020, in 2013 we will therefore continue to push for smarter, more coordinated and “competitiveness-proofed” regulation for our sector.’

Mr Renschler started his career at Daimler in 1988 at the organisation and data processing department and has previously been executive vice president of the Mercedes Car Group and head of business of the Unit Smart GmbH from 1999 until 2004.