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Dr. Michael Kowalski Ph.D.

Consultant, Michael Kowalski

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Member of the Automotive Council

Council Member Biography

Michael Kowalski is currently a self-employed Consultant providing consulting services on the state of the automotive industry in general and on light vehicle brake system design with a particular emphasis in performance. Recently he has followed developments in the restructuring of the automotive industry and in the evolution of powertrain technology, environmental issues, and governmental regulation. He has more than 35 years of experience in the industry primarily in chassis design, but also with involvement in body and power train systems. He has in depth knowledge on the design and development of brake systems for passenger vehicles. In addition he has been involved in engineering education at both the university and professional levels. Previously, he has served as a Staff Engineer at General Motors Corporation, from 1970-2002, a Lecturer for Society of Automotive Engineers, and an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University. (This is me - Update Profile)


Employment History

2002 - Unspecified
Consultant, Michael Kowalski
1998 - 2004
Instructor, Society of Automotive Engineers
1970 - 1980
Adjunct Professor, WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
1970 - 2002
Staff Engineer, MOTORS LIQUIDATION CO

GLG NewsSM Analyses by Michael Kowalski(?)

Opinions and analyses expressed in GLG News are solely those of the author. See the Terms of Use for details.

Chryslers Strategies for the Future.

May 12, 2008

LaSorda: Chrysler Wants Small Cars "As Fast As We Can" | www.autonews.com

Chrysler is pursuing two strategies to improve the fuel economy of its product offerings: focusing it limited resources on developing a flexible mid-sized platform capable of producing a large variety of vehicles and working with other manufacturers to badge engineer smaller sized automobiles. While these are smart strategies near term, there are risks to the company longer term.

Can the Genral Motors Volt meet the expectations?

April 17, 2008

Volt plug-in hybrid is 'No. 1 priority,' GM says | www.msnbc.msn.com

General Motors has been exploring and developing alternative drivetrains for many years. These designs have not yet reached the stage of commercial viability for a variety of reasons. However recent events such as increased fuel prices, tougher fuel economy regulations, increased public concerns for the environment, concerns with dependence on foreign oil dependence have raised the level of these efforts. The introduction of the Volt concept car with its projected battery powered range, and backup gasoline engine "range extender" has fired up public enthusiasm. This could be a break through vehicle for GM if they can pull it off. It really depends on the viability of the lithium-ion battery pack.

Rapid Growth has lead to problems for Toyota

November 8, 2007

Toyota Needs Skid Control | www.forbes.com

This interesting article by Jerry Flint, a respected automotive commentator, summarizes a number of recent events that taken together present a troubling problem for Toyota. As Mr. Flint points out, it not the end of the world, but it does indicate that the mighty Toyota company can stumble in its businesses just as other manufacturers. The quality image that has been so important to its rapid growth may be tarnished by these developments.

Does Ford really have a brighter future than General Motoers?

October 16, 2007

CORRECT: GM cut at Bear Stearns, Ford preferred | www.marketwatch.com

The decision by Bear Sterns to recommend Ford Motor Company over General Motors seems very misguided to me. Ford is literally just beginning its turn around efforts and they may not save the company. General Moors has already taken many steps of cost reduction and new product introductions and moreover is investing in many new powertrain technologies for coming years that Ford will find difficult if not impossible to duplicate. I expect GM to benefit and Ford to suffer as a result.

Bad Decision at Ford?

September 14, 2007

Volvo ReCharge concept plugs into hybrids | www.autonews.com

Volvo has shown a concept hybrid powertrain in a modified C30 vehicle, quite similar to the design that General Motors showed earlier this year at the North American Automotive show in Detroit. This technology when fully developed will be able to substantially improve fuel economy and drastically reduce vehicle emissions. However this appears to be a Volvo effort and is not part of a wider Ford Motor Car Company program.

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