Hitachi Astemo Europe changes company name and introduces new Head of Europe

The essence of Astemo’s new brand identity: a renewed focus on the future of mobility. Building on years of engineering excellence, Astemo is now more committed than ever to pioneering electrified, autonomous, and AI-powered technologies that redefine safety, sustainability, and movement.

Schwaig, April 7, 2025 – “Hitachi Astemo Europe GmbH (hereafter “Astemo Europe”) will change its company name to Astemo Europe on June 2, 2025, in accordance with the change in the headquarters' name from Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. to Astemo, Ltd., (hereafter “Astemo”) effective April 1*”. This strategic move reflects Astemo’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global leader in electrification and intelligent mobility solutions in the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) era. The name Astemo, derived from “Advanced Sustainable Technologies for Mobility”, underscores the company’s focus on providing cutting-edge, sustainable mobility solutions.

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  News release dated February 20, 2025, “Hitachi Astemo to change company name

Since its management integration in 2021, Astemo has solidified its role as a global mega-supplier, offering competitive mobility solutions in CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric) domains. Following changes in its capital structure in 2023, Astemo became an affiliate company of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and Hitachi, Ltd., with JIC Capital, Ltd. as an additional shareholder, enabling accelerated investment in electrification, advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous driving, and advanced chassis technologies. As part of this transition, Astemo will also relocate its headquarters to Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo on April 1, 2025, to further enhance internal management systems.

New leadership for Astemo Europe
Alongside the company name change, Astemo is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Bowling as the new Head of Europe, effective April 1, 2025. Bowling will succeed Hideo Hatagi, who will take on the role of Head of Asia. With 30 years at Hitachi within the group’s automotive business, Bowling brings extensive experience in global transformation, operational excellence, and strategic growth to his new position.

Doug Bowling, Executive Vice President, Head of Europe Region Operation

Doug Bowling’s career at Astemo
Bowling has played a pivotal role in shaping Astemo’s global operations. As EVP, Executive Officer, Chief Procurement Officer, and Head of Operations, he successfully supported the integration of three Honda Tier 1 suppliers—Showa, Nissin, and Keihin—into the unified global automotive division under Astemo, generating significant synergies and operational efficiencies. His leadership in standardizing global manufacturing quality, optimizing capital expenditures, and implementing cutting-edge manufacturing technology has been instrumental in advancing Astemo’s sustainability and carbon neutrality initiatives.

Prior to this role, Bowling served as Chief Operating Officer for the Americas, where he spearheaded the establishment of Hitachi’s first hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) manufacturing facility in the U.S. His career also includes leading corporate global transformation initiatives that centralized operations, reduced costs, and eliminated regional silos.

“I am honored to take on this new role at such a transformative time for Astemo”, says Bowling. “Europe offers incredible growth potential, and I am excited to build on our strengths in ICE and chassis. At the same time, electrification presents enormous potential—to develop, manufacture, and expand right here. I’m excited to drive this next chapter for Astemo in Europe.”

Next chapter for Astemo Europe
Through these advancements, Astemo Europe reaffirms its commitment to pioneering next-generation mobility solutions. This evolution keeps the company at the forefront of technological innovation across the region, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient automotive ecosystem.