ArvinMeritor expands engineering team

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TROY, Mich. — ArvinMeritor today announced several appointments to its Commercial Vehicle Systems (CVS) Advanced Engineering group.

The group was created last year to leverage mechanical and electronic technologies across the CVS product lines and to bring those technologies to its customers.

The group is led by Garrick Hu, vice president, Advanced Engineering. The focal point for the company’s Advanced Engineering Group is the rapidly changing technology and evolution of drivetrain systems. The new team will utilize individual expertise and global resources to provide innovation, evaluation and benchmarking. The hoped-for result is an enhanced ability to supply complete systems with clear benefits to the company’s customers.

To date, the team has developed several modular concepts to support the recently gained axle-brake module business with several key North American OEMs.

“The Advanced Engineering team will concentrate on one of the biggest changes in the future of trucking: the integration of individual drivetrain components into a performance-based system. To accomplish this enormous task with speed while remaining customer-focused, our team will include individuals with expertise from all facets of business,” said Hu, an industry veteran who previously led engineering teams at Paccar, International Truck and Engine, and Mack.

The first addition to the team is Gary Ganaway, director, product systems, who will focus on identifying and developing business opportunities for the design and development of advanced integrated module and system products.

“With his vast engineering and customer support experience, Gary is a great addition to this team,” commented Hu. “His longevity with the company will help ground our team.”

Ganaway has 14 years experience with ArvinMeritor and most recently served as director of Marketing and Customer Support for CVS’ Brake Division. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, as well as an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Vern Caron, director of electronics strategy and program management, will focus on the application of electronics. His role will include the development of strategic programs to integrate electronics technologies into CVS products and systems.

“Vern brings with him a wealth of experience in the electronics arena. We’re looking forward to his fresh approach to our business,” said Hu.

Caron most recently served as president of Caron Engineering, a consulting firm specializing in hardware, software and systems design for the automotive and commercial vehicle industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota, a master’s of science degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago.

Tjong Lie, director of advanced suspensions program management, is another addition to the Advanced Engineering team. Lie will identify and develop technologies and designs to support new suspension products.

“Tjong has an enormous amount of experience in the commercial vehicle industry, specifically with suspension systems,” commented Hu. “His strong design background will be critical to our team’s function.”

Lie most recently served as chief engineer for The Integral Group. Prior to that, he was senior manager of Advanced Engineering for Hendrickson Truck Suspension Systems. Lie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in automotive engineering from HTS Autotechniek – College of Engineering in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.

Jim Theuerkauf, manager of special programs, will concentrate on identifying potential research partners and opportunities to obtain sponsored research funds.

“There is a tremendous opportunity to leverage our technical resources and to gain substantial knowledge in emerging technology through partnering with various government agencies and universities. Working with other partners– primarily our OEM customers, we have an avenue to assess the commercial viability of emerging technologies, as well as the technical feasibility to integrate the technology into our product portfolio. Jim’s strong background in program management, combined with his technical education, makes him well suited for this position,” said Hu.

Theuerkauf most recently served as director, research and innovation, at the ArvinMeritor Columbus Technical Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University and a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering from Wayne State University.

The newest addition to the Advanced Engineering team is Thomas DePotter, director, advanced product development processes. In his new role, DePotter will be responsible for process design and development; market research and product planning; program management; and product verification and validation.

“Tom’s extensive background in strategic and tactical planning is a ideal fit for this position. This, coupled with his experience in the trucking industry, is an outstanding combination for our growing team,” said Hu.

DePotter brings 26 years’ experience to this new position and most recently served as global director, Planning and Process Development, for Volvo 3P. Prior to that, he established the Corporate Project Office for Mack Trucks, Inc. DePotter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Lawrence Technological University.

ArvinMeritor, Inc. is a $7-billion global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components to the motor vehicle industry. The company serves light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets.

In addition, ArvinMeritor is a leader in coil coating applications. The company is headquartered in Troy, Mich., and employs 32,000 people at more than 150 manufacturing facilities in 27 countries. ArvinMeritor common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ARM.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at: www.arvinmeritor.com.

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