ACEA

Ivan Hodac - Profile

Ivan Hodac is ACEA Secretary-General since 2001. Building on a large experience in EU affairs, he maintains close relationships with the European Commission, the European Parliament and the EU representatives of the Member States. As representative in Brussels of the 16 European automobile manufacturers, Hodac is also counterpart for other industry associations, NGOs and consumer organisations in Brussels.

Asked about his main professional goals at current, he said in a recent interview: “ACEA has established a serious and constructive dialogue with the EU institutions, reflecting the large importance on the automobile industry for the European economy and society. The industry has a united and strong voice in Brussels despite the fierce competition amongst the manufactures in the EU and other markets. One of my more personal goals is to achieve wider recognition of the industry’s value for Europe and raise acknowledgement of the achievements of the industry, specifically in the areas of the environment and road safety. The European automobile sector is a responsible industry and contributes to the future of many Europeans. It is the true engine of Europe.”

Hodac (1946) was born in Prague where he studied mechanical engineering. He completed his education at the University of Copenhagen (economics and political science) and the College of Europe in Bruges (European studies).

Before joining ACEA, he was senior vice president and head of Time Warner Europe office. His responsibilities included the co-ordinating of public and corporate affairs activities of all Time Warner operating divisions in Europe and representing Time Warner corporate interests vis-à-vis the institutions of the European Union, international organisations and governments of EU Member States and other European countries. Previously, Hodac was Secretary-General of trade organisation IFMA/IMACE, senior economist at Didier & Associates and assistant at the College of Europe, Bruges.

The European automotive industry is key to the strength and competitiveness of Europe. Direct employment in automotive manufacturing amounts to 2.2 million people; indirect employment involves another 10 million jobs. Annually, ACEA members invest over € 26 billion in R&D, or about 5% of turnover. The ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT Group, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen, Volvo Car Corporation and Volvo Group (Volvo Trucks; Renault Trucks).

• Q&A with Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA

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