ANN ARBOR, MI – The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Mark Kralevich, Vice President and Business Unit Leader for Advanced Technology Research at the Auto Development Center of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America; Leigh Merino, Group Manager of Government Affairs at Panasonic Corporation of North America; and Emily Kolinski Morris, Global Chief Economist at Ford Motor Company.
The new board members represent key perspectives across the automotive ecosystem from technology development and policy engagement to global economic analysis, helping guide CAR’s mission of informing industry leaders and policymakers through independent research, analysis, and dialogue.
“We are pleased to welcome Mark, Leigh, and Emily to the CAR Board of Directors,” said Elizabeth Krear, President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research. “Each brings valuable experience and insight from across the automotive and mobility landscape. Their leadership will help CAR continue providing the independent research and convening that industry leaders rely on to navigate a rapidly evolving global automotive sector.”
CAR also expressed appreciation for the contributions of board members whose terms recently concluded: Kristen Tabar, Group Vice President of Advanced Mobility R&D at Toyota Motor North America, and John Robb, President of the Hyundai Kia America Technical Center.
“We are deeply grateful to Kristen and John for their engagement and leadership during their time on the board,” Krear added. “Their guidance helped strengthen CAR’s research agenda and industry collaborations.”
CAR’s Board of Directors includes senior leaders from automakers, suppliers, technology companies, and policy organizations who help guide the organization’s strategic priorities and ensure its research remains relevant to the most pressing challenges facing the automotive industry.
