WASHINGTON — The Alliance for Automotive Innovation mentioned Monday it had elected Bob Nelson, American Honda Motor Co.’s government vp of company companies, as its 2023 board chair.

Nelson, 58, succeeds Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue, Ford Motor Co.’s inner combustion enterprise.

“In my 36 years with Honda, the auto business has by no means confronted the breadth of alternatives and challenges that we’re proper now,” Nelson mentioned in an announcement. “It’s vital that the Alliance for Automotive Innovation proceed to raise its voice on behalf of our business as we transition to the electrified future at a pace that requires elevated collaboration amongst all transportation stakeholders.”

Nelson, an Ohio native, joined Honda in 1987 as the corporate was increasing its manufacturing presence within the U.S. He has held management roles throughout the Japanese automaker’s buying and manufacturing areas, with a concentrate on rising Honda’s North American operations.

“I’m energized by this chance to assist lead our business into the long run, discovering methods to proceed investing in our American workforces and advancing our efforts to collectively present cleaner, safer and smarter merchandise to American shoppers,” Nelson mentioned.

The alliance, which represents Honda and different main firms within the U.S. auto business, additionally elected Jose Muñoz as vice chair. Muñoz, 57, is CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America in addition to world COO of Hyundai Motor Co.

“The auto business is dealing with a posh set of coverage points associated to electrification, automation and connectivity. Our collective advocacy will profit from sensible leaders like Bob and Jose who know precisely what it takes to design, supply, construct and ship world-class automobiles,” John Bozzella, the alliance’s CEO, mentioned in an announcement. “Their management speaks to the necessary position of each policymakers and business within the transportation transformation.”