WASHINGTON — The Alliance for Automotive Innovation said Monday it had elected Bob Nelson, American Honda Motor Co.’s executive vice president of corporate services, as its 2023 board chair.
Nelson, 58, succeeds Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue, Ford Motor Co.’s internal combustion business.
“In my 36 years with Honda, the auto industry has never faced the breadth of opportunities and challenges that we are right now,” Nelson said in a statement. “It is critical that the Alliance for Automotive Innovation continue to elevate its voice on behalf of our industry as we transition to the electrified future at a speed that requires increased collaboration among all transportation stakeholders.”
Nelson, an Ohio native, joined Honda in 1987 as the company was expanding its manufacturing presence in the U.S. He has held leadership roles across the Japanese automaker’s purchasing and manufacturing areas, with a focus on growing Honda’s North American operations.
“I am energized by this opportunity to help lead our industry into the future, finding ways to continue investing in our American workforces and advancing our efforts to collectively provide cleaner, safer and smarter products to American consumers,” Nelson said.
The alliance, which represents Honda and other major companies in the U.S. auto industry, also elected Jose Muñoz as vice chair. Muñoz, 57, is CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America as well as global COO of Hyundai Motor Co.
“The auto industry is facing a complex set of policy issues related to electrification, automation and connectivity. Our collective advocacy will benefit from smart leaders like Bob and Jose who know exactly what it takes to design, source, build and ship world-class vehicles,” John Bozzella, the alliance’s CEO, said in a statement. “Their leadership speaks to the important role of both policymakers and industry in the transportation transformation.”
