Over 40 executives attend semiannual External Advisory Board meeting

Friday, October 9, 2015, over 40 industry and government executives attended The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research's (CAR) semiannual External Advisory Board meeting.

The meeting included an introductory welcome and strategic plan update from center director Giorgio Rizzoni. This was followed by an informational session on the center’s 2015 fiscal year, as presented by senior associate director of the center, Joanna Pinkerton.

The morning also included a detailed presentation about the Transportation Research Center, led by its new president and CEO Mark-Tami Hotta. Highlighted was the inherent partnership and resulting opportunities between the Center for Automotive Research and Transportation Research Center.

Industry and governmental executives learned more about the university’s student-led motorsports teams directly from students, as the year’s results were shared for Baja Buckeyes SAE, Formula Buckeyes SAE, Supermileage SAE, Venturi Buckeye Bullet 3, Buckeye Current and Ohio State EcoCAR 3. Visitors were also able to see the vehicles up close and talk one-on-one with student leaders during the lunchtime gallery, which also corresponded with a demonstration of the center’s autonomous vehicle initiative.

In the afternoon session, the dean of The Ohio State University College of Engineering, David B. Williams, discussed the college’s mobility initiatives and commitment to excellence.

The day’s final presentation featured Giorgio Rizzoni, who addressed the pertinence of CAR’s efforts in student preparation, while emphasizing students’ value as they enter the automotive industry upon graduation.

The meeting concluded with tours featuring the laboratories at both the Center of Automotive Research and its facility extension, CAR West.

Event photos: here.

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