Mediaroom

Brussels, 9 January 2024

CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, has elected Matthias Zink as its new President for a two-year term starting in January 2024.

Mr Zink is CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler and will succeed Thorsten Muschal who has held the position since 2020.

“CLEPA represents over 3,000 companies, from multi-nationals to SMEs, supplying state-of-the-art components and innovative technology for safe, smart, and sustainable mobility across Europe. As the largest private investor in R&D, with 30 billion EUR invested annually, the automotive supply sector is critical to enabling the green and digital transition in Europe. Keeping Europe competitive is a task for policymakers and industry alike”, said Mr Zink. “I wish to thank Thorsten Muschal for his four, successful years as CLEPA President, and I look forward to building on the work done and help strengthen the voice of our industry.” 

Reflecting on his term, Mr Muschal notes, “I am proud of the achievements we have made together at CLEPA, especially considering the unprecedented challenges we have faced over the past three years. The transition is only beginning, and it is crucial that we continue to work together towards shared objectives.”  

While vehicle production has gone up post-Covid, suppliers have managed to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the use of renewable energy. However, this positive trajectory can only be maintained with continued significant investments to meet the goals of the green transition whilst remaining globally competitive. 

“Affordable renewable energy, raw materials shortages, insufficient battery productions capacity in the EU, along with large infrastructure and grid needs demand a technology-diverse approach. The regulatory framework must remain ambitious yet flexible to empower continuous innovation and to keep Europe competitive”, said Zink. “At CLEPA, we stand ready to bring technological mobility solutions to market and to actively contribute to shaping policies that foster climate action and support a thriving EU industry.” 

Watch Matthias Zink’s full video statement below.

About Matthias Zink

Matthias Zink is based at the headquarters of Schaeffler’s Automotive Technologies division in Bühl, Germany, where he became the CEO of Schaeffler’s Automotive Technologies division in 2017. Besides his position as CEO of Schaeffler’s Automotive Technologies he assumed responsibility for the Engine Systems and Chassis Systems business divisions as well as Global Key Account Management Automotive in 2019.

About CLEPA

CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers based in Brussels, represents over 3,000 companies, from multi-nationals to SMEs, supplying state-of-the-art components and innovative technology for safe, smart and sustainable mobility, investing over €30 billion yearly in research and development. Automotive suppliers in Europe directly employ 1.7 million people in the EU.

For further information, please contact:

CLEPA’s Head of Strategic Communications Filipa Rio at f.rio@clepa.be