Updated: 4:42 p.m.

Former Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt (R), the son of Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), has been named president of the American Automotive Policy Council.

The AAPC represents American-based automakers the Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co.

Blunt replaces Stephen Collins, who retired from the organization in October. Charles Uthus, who was the acting president, will go back to his role as vice president for trade and international issues.

Matt Blunt, 40, won’t be the only AAPC staff member with close family Congressional ties. Debbie Dingell, wife of Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), is AAPC’s point person on labor relations, grass roots and coalitions, but she is not a lobbyist.

“We are so excited that Governor Blunt has agreed to lead AAPC and to further the interests of its member companies, which are critical to the manufacturing and economic interests of the United States,” Pete Lawson, Ford’s vice president of government relations, said in a press statement announcing the hire Tuesday. “He will be a tremendous asset to the organization.”

Blunt added in the statement that domestic auto manufacturing is essential to the country’s economic strength.

“I’m excited to join the AAPC at a time when America’s auto industry is growing, creating American jobs and reasserting its leadership,” Blunt said.