Automotive Industry Mourns the Loss of Jaime Revilla, Pioneer of Iveco and Pegaso in Spain
Jaime Revilla Arroyo, the former president and chief executive officer of Iveco Spain and a transformative figure in the nation’s commercial vehicle sector, died in Madrid on July 31, at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy spanning more than four decades of industrial manufacturing leadership.
The death of the Barcelona-born engineer prompted an outpouring of tributes across the European automotive industry. Revilla dedicated 45 years of his professional life to heavy vehicle manufacturing, beginning his career in 1968 at SAVA before its integration into ENASA-Pegaso. He later steered Iveco through delicate economic transitions, securing the long-term viability of major production facilities in Madrid and Valladolid.
A Transformative Career Rooted in Pegaso and Iveco
Revilla graduated as an industrial engineer from the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales de Barcelona and earned a diploma in Business Senior Management. His career traversed engineering, product development, production, after-sales, commercial direction, and international management. In 2011, he assumed the presidency and chief executive role at Iveco Spain, alongside his responsibilities as vice president of the group overseeing light commercial vehicles.
José Manuel Jaquotot, the current director of the Iveco plant in Madrid, credited Revilla with protecting domestic manufacturing operations. According to Jaquotot, Revilla played a decisive role in guaranteeing the future of both the Madrid and Valladolid factories during highly volatile periods, helping maintain employment for countless families and earning a reputation as an indispensable leader within the corporation.
Global executives within the company echoed those sentiments. Luca Sra, chief executive officer of the truck division at Iveco, described Revilla as one of the founding fathers of the modern organization, characterizing him as a mentor and a master of the trade. Marco Liccardo, the group’s chief technology and digitalization officer, noted that Revilla served as a foundational pillar of the enterprise, displaying exceptional professionalism and human dedication throughout his tenure.
Industry-Wide Recognition and Macroeconomic Vision
The broader European automotive landscape formally acknowledged Revilla’s contributions in 2019, when the Spanish Association of Automotive Professionals (ASEPA) named him an Illustrious Figure of Spanish Automotive History. The distinction honored his extensive career, which included pivotal contributions to the development of the iconic Daily commercial van and the establishment of the engineering center at the Madrid manufacturing plant.
During his acceptance speech in 2019, Revilla emphasized the resilience of Spain’s industrial base and anticipated the structural shifts brought on by digital transformation. Pointing to the expansion of e-commerce, he correctly forecasted that digital retail logistics would permanently elevate the strategic importance of commercial transport fleets.
Industry leaders outside of Iveco also highlighted his collaborative contributions to national trade associations. José Vicente de los Mozos, president of IFEMA Madrid and an executive with extensive experience across Renault, Nissan, and Indra, called his passing a major loss for Spain’s industrial sector, emphasizing Revilla’s international vision and deep commitment to manufacturing.
Paco Pérez Botello, president of Volkswagen Group Spain Distribution, recalled working alongside Revilla on the executive board of the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (Anfac), where Revilla chaired the commercial vehicle commission. Pérez Botello noted his profound generosity and infectious passion for the automotive trade. José López-Tafall, general director of Anfac, remembered him simply as an exemplary gentleman, while Alberto de Aza, chief executive of BYD Iberia, and Leopoldo Satrústegui, president and chief executive of Hyundai Motor España, praised his professional excellence and personal character.
Navigating Modern Industrial Transitions
As the Spanish automotive sector continues to balance advanced automation with the demands of sustainable transport infrastructure, the foundational standards established by figures like Jaime Revilla remain an enduring benchmark for the industry’s future development.