Autos Drive America Hosts First Board Meeting of 2023, Announces New Board Leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Autos Drive America hosted its first Board meeting of 2023 this week in Washington, D.C., where the association’s leadership met with key Congressional leaders and Biden administration officials to discuss the policy opportunities and challenges facing international automakers operating in the U.S.

The association also announced its new Board Chair, Pablo Di Si of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

“Through continued investments in communities across the U.S., Autos Drive America members are committed to boosting the economy and creating high-skilled career opportunities for years to come,” said Jennifer Safavian, President & CEO of Autos Drive America. “The automotive industry has a responsibility to take bold steps toward realizing the full potential of American manufacturing—and international automakers are leading that effort. This year, our association will advocate for policies that promote free and fair trade, strengthen our global supply chains, and foster investment in careers and communities across the U.S.”

Members of Congress and Biden administration officials heard directly from Autos Drive America members about the association and the industry’s 2023 legislative priorities, including advocating for trade policies that create more opportunities for investment in American workers and communities.

Additionally, members discussed international automakers’ sprawling footprint in communities nationwide, including 2.3 million direct and indirect jobs, 500 facilities, and investments totaling more than $100 billion.

“International automakers are critical to the U.S. economy,” said Pablo Di Si, President & CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Companies like ours are embracing the nation’s transition to electric vehicles by investing billions of dollars in strengthening domestic assembly and supply chains and creating thousands of new jobs for American people. As chairman of Autos Drive America, I’ll be a vocal advocate for international automakers in the United States, ensuring our voice is heard.”

Autos Drive America also announced its 2023 Board of Directors. The incoming Board will guide the association’s policy agenda and advocacy over the course of the year.

Autos Drive American 2023 Board Officers

• Chair – Pablo Di Si, President & CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
• Vice Chair – Scott Brand, Executive Vice President, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.
• Secretary – David Johnson, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, Nissan North America, Inc.
• Treasurer – Stuart Countess, President & CEO, Kia Georgia, Inc.

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