1. John can you please tell us a bit more about yourself and what are you working on at the moment?
I am a Chassis Engineering Supervisor at Ford Motor Company. I hold an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and have been at Ford Motor Company for 27 years. I have spent the majority of my career in Chassis Engineering, and I was the lead engineer for the development of the first aluminum structural castings used within a Ford Chassis application (Lincoln LS engine/transmission crossmembers). I am currently with the Suspension Core Engineering group and involved with several projects related to lightweighting and advanced materials/processes.

2. What will you be discussing in your presentation at GALM USA 2017?
My presentation will provide an overview of the design and testing of a cast magnesium front subframe.

3. What trends in your opinion are currently shaping the automotive industry?
Lightweighting, Improved CAE Methods, Optimization

4. What in your opinion is the role of magnesium in automotive lightweighting going forward?
Mostly Body and Powertrain applications. Chassis applications remain challenging because of the greater strength requirements and greater need for additional corrosion mitigation countermeasures.

5. What materials and technologies do you see having the most potential in delivering cost efficient automotive lightweighting?
Next generation of Advanced High Strength Steels, aluminum. Carbon Fiber needs to become more affordable before it can be used on a large scale.

6. What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
I don’t have a single favorite project. I have been fortunate in my career to work on many programs and to be involved in multiple ‘clean sheet of paper’ designs and that has been a lot of fun. More recently, I have had the opportunity to work more on new/emerging technologies and that has been very enjoyable as well.

7. What car/motor vehicle do you drive?
I drive a Ford F150.

8. What are you looking forward to at this year’s GALM Detroit Conference?
I am looking forward to a learning experience. I have never attended a GALM conference in the past and I am excited at the opportunity.

At the Global Automotive Lightweight Materials Detroit Conference in August, John will be presenting a case study on Design And Testing Of A Cast Magnesium Front Subframe. For more information, visit: www.global-automotive-lightweight-materials-detroit.com