The board of directors of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, has recommended accepting the application of Toyota Motor Europe (TME) to become a full member.

The formal decision will be taken June 8 at the ACEA general assembly. If officially accepted TME membership will start in January 2008.

The ACEA represents PSA Peugeot, Citroen, Volkswagen, Fiat, Renault, Scania, DAF, MAN, General Motors Europe, BMW Group, Ford of Europe, Porsche, Volvo and DaimlerChrysler.

“The ACEA members believe Toyota Motor Europe will make a valuable contribution to the work of our association,” said Sergio Marchionne, president of ACEA and CEO of Fiat.

“Europe needs a strong automobile industry. Gathering the main players in one industry body ensures effective communication with our key interlocutors in the EU on all issues of common interest, such as the environment, road safety, better regulation and improving the competitive strength of the European economy.”