The ASG is responsible for, inter alia, developing arguments and positions on EU regulatory and legislative issues in the automotive sector. It is supported in its work by sector specific Working Groups, namely the Car Rental Working Group, the Car Leasing Working Group and the Truck Rental Working Group. It is also assisted by the Environmental, Security and Block Exemption Regulation Follow-up Task Forces.

Commenting at the first meeting of the ASG under his chairmanship, Mr Lewis said: ‘The ASG has a crucial role in explaining to policy makers the important role our industry plays in reducing emissions as well as in driving and supporting flexible mobility, not to mention its importance for the European economy. Our industry must respond quickly and effectively as well as adapt to an increasing number of regulatory challenges. The ASG is ideally placed to help us in this regard. I look forward to chairing the ASG and further contributing to its work.’

Mr Lewis has nearly 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and has held a number of senior positions in the contract hire and fleet management sector, working with both cars and commercial vehicles

As well as being chief executive of Leaseurope UK member association, the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), which he joined in 2000, Mr Lewis participates in a number of related organisations.

He is a member of the UK Government’s Motorists’ Forum and Road Haulage Forum advisory groups and contributes to its Red Tape Challenge as a fleet sector “champion”. Mr Lewis also sits on the board of the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) and has also chaired the Leaseurope Car Rental Working Group for Leaseurope from April 2009 to March 2013.

Mr Lewis over from Vincent Rupied, formerly Arval’s strategic marketing director in charge of CSR, who has been successfully chairing the ASG since October 2007.

‘I would like to thank Vincent for his continuous support and remarkable work in chairing the ASG these past years. Leaseurope is most grateful for his commitment and true European mindset,’ said Max Moi, Leaseurope’s chairman.