Constance takes up his position next month (September 2015), assuming responsibility for the organisation, which helps turn low carbon propulsion concepts into products developed and produced in the UK.
He joins the APC from Ford Motor Company, in Detroit, where he was most recently global chief engineer for large cars.
Following an engineering degree at Aston University and MSc at Loughborough University, Ian has worked with Ford in the UK, Germany, Thailand, China and the USA in leadership roles focusing on new product development and launch.
"Ian Constance ... brings a wealth of global experience from 25 years in the automotive industry, which will enable him to help organisations with the development of low carbon propulsion technology in the UK," comments APC chairman Dr Gerhard Schmidt.
"Ian will take over the leadership of the APC from Tony Pixton, who has completed his assignment to deliver a successful fast start-up for the organisation," he adds.
"Ian Constance brings global expertise and knowledge to the APC as it seeks to accelerate the development and production of new green technologies which can secure future jobs in the industry," states Minister for Business Innovation and Skills, Anna Soubry:
"I look forward to working with the wide range of APC partner organisations, academic institutions, SMEs, suppliers and manufacturers to focus our national resources as we create the Propulsion Nation, delivering growth in the automotive industry," says Constance.
In the last 16 months, the APC has invested in 10 major projects worth more than £174 million, involving 54 organisations which will create or secure at least 4,500 jobs in the UK.
The technologies are expected to reduce emissions of CO2 by more than 12 million tonnes, driving growth for the UK's automotive manufacturing sector in bus, commercial vehicle, engine, off highway, passenger car and van applications.