ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Dr. Jay Baron has been appointed the new chairman of the board of directors at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR). Current Chairman Dr. David Cole, also a founding member of the organization, has been named emeritus chairman.

The chairman responsibilities have been added to Baron’s role as president and CEO for the nonprofit research organization based in Ann Arbor, Mich. CAR’s mission is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community.

CAR also announced that Dr. James Jacobs, president of Macomb Community College, has joined the board. In addition to Baron, Cole and Jacobs, the CAR Board of Directors includes John Basso, president, Diversified Tool Group; Dennis Cuneo; partner; Fisher & Phillips LLP; Neil De Koker, president and CEO, Original Equipment Supplier Association; Richard Hervey, consultant; Dr. Sean McAlinden, executive vice president of research and chief economist, CAR; and Michael Stanton, president and CEO, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.

In addition to Baron, the leadership team includes McAlinden and Lisa Hart, vice president of operations.

“The importance of the automotive industry, and especially manufacturing in this country, will remain a key focus for policymakers, business and technology leaders, the financial world and labor. The Center for Automotive Research will continue to serve the industry with leading edge research and analysis and collaborative forums,” said Baron. “Dave Cole has played a critical role since CAR’s creation in April 2003. We will continue to build upon the success we have achieved to date.”

CAR performs numerous studies for federal, state and local governments, corporations and foundations. The organization was originally created in the late 1970s at the University of Michigan. It became a standalone nonprofit corporation in 2003.

“I have been fortunate to have been a part of CAR’s success in becoming a forward-thinking and independent resource for the automotive industry. I look forward to seeing CAR continue to flourish under the leadership of CAR’s management team,” said Cole.

For more information about CAR, visit www.cargroup.org.