Dr. Robert Engelhorn and Axel Bense
Top leadership from BMW, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Volvo Cars came together to discuss the transformation taking place within the automotive industry at the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) Annual Meeting in Charleston Aug. 29, 2022.
The SSEB, which represents 16 southern states and two territories, works to enhance economic development and quality of life in the South through innovations in energy and environmental policies. Gov. Henry McMaster currently serves as the board’s chair and hosted this year’s annual meeting.
Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey moderated the discussion and was joined by panelists Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing; Axel Bense, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vans; and David Stenström, vice president, manufacturing, Americas, plant manager at Volvo Car Charleston.
The panelists covered a variety of priority projects for the automotive industry including electrification, sustainability, supply chain and infrastructure to support the transition to the electric vehicle model.