Pischetsrieder took over the role at the start of the year and will represent the 13 major European car, truck and bus manufacturers. Commenting on the appointment, Pischetsrieder said: “Next year will be a cornerstone in the history of the European Union, thanks to the accession of ten new member states. “I am hopeful that 2004 will also be marked by improvement in the economic environment and that Europe will enter a period of stable growth.”