TOYOTA Australia president Matt Callachor has been elected as the new chair of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), replacing Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific CEO and managing director Horst von Sanden who had held the position for the past two years.

Mr Callachor moves into the top seat after most recently serving as one of the board’s two deputy chairpersons.

It is his second time as chair after temporarily filling the position for 12 months in 2018 when he replaced Dave Buttner at the helm of the market-leading Japanese brand in Australia.

Newly elected deputy chairpersons at the FCAI are Ford Australia president and CEO Kay Hart and Mazda Australia CEO Vinesh Bhindi.

Mr Bhindi was previously the FCAI’s treasurer – a role that is now the responsibility of Honda Australia director Stephen Collins.

Audi Australia managing director Paul Sansom joins the board as a director, as does Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s recently appointed president and CEO Shaun Westcott.

Yamaha Motor Australia COO Brad Ryan also has a seat at the boardroom table, which continues to include Mr Von Sanden and Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber thanked outgoing members who he said had made a strong contribution to the chamber during their office term.

“The FCAI represents more than 40 automotive brands in the Australian market and these are some of the most recognised brands in the world which bring the newest and most innovative technology to consumers,” he said.

“It is very gratifying to see such strong support for the industry, by the industry, in the Australian market.

“The FCAI’s office bearers and directors represent some of the most experienced and talented individuals in the automotive sector.

“The industry is on the cusp of major change, with the advent of new technology such as zero- and low-emission vehicles, higher-level autonomous vehicles and changing customer and business models.

“The FCAI’s new board will be able to provide strong guidance and direction to ensure the industry not only survives, but thrives over the coming years,” he said.

The Road to Recovery podcast series