Peckruhn has assumed the position of president for the German Automobile Industry Association, known by the acronym ZDK.
**Thomas Peckruhn Elected as New President of Central Association of the German Automobile Trade**
Thomas Peckruhn, the Vice President and spokesperson for brand dealerships within the Central Association of the German Automobile Trade (ZDK), has been elected as the new President of the organisation during a virtual assembly on July 8, 2025.
Peckruhn's election marks a significant milestone in the German automobile industry, as he becomes the first leader of the Autohaus Liebe Group to hold the position of President in the ZDK.
With over 1,203,570 employees, including those from 36,570 car repair shops and dealerships, the ZDK is a major industry association representing the interests of the automotive trade in Germany. The organisation has a presence in Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Saxony, and Lower Saxony, and is an umbrella organisation for various automobile-related businesses in the country.
Peckruhn has served as Vice President since 2017 and has been a member of the board since 2005. He has been actively engaged in shaping industry positions on topics such as electromobility, market developments, and regulatory frameworks affecting the automotive sector.
As President, Peckruhn will continue to represent the interests of the ZDK to ministries, authorities, politicians, and key associations and institutions. He is known for his regular dialogue with these parties, and his election is expected to strengthen the organisation's voice in the industry.
Peckruhn's term as President begins immediately following his election, and he succeeds Arne Joswig, who stepped down from his position due to family reasons at the end of May 2025.
The ZDK is comprised of 236 guilds and 14 regional and 34 manufacturer associations in Germany. The organisation plays a crucial role in advocating for the automotive trade at both national and international levels, with a presence in Bonn, Berlin, and Brussels.
Peckruhn's election is a testament to his leadership and dedication to the automotive industry, and his election is widely seen as a positive development for the sector in Germany.
In his new role as President of the Central Association of the German Automobile Trade (ZDK), Thomas Peckruhn will advocate for the interests of the automotive sector, engaging with ministries, authorities, politicians, and key associations, especially on topics like electromobility and regulatory frameworks that impact the industry. With the ZDK being an umbrella organisation for various automobile-related businesses, Peckruhn's work may also involve making critical decisions that affect the finance and transportation industries in Germany.
