By Sam Patrick | Guest Contributor | President, Patrick Marketing & Communications
CU-ICAR’s executive director talks about the center’s progress to date and challenges ahead
With overall leadership responsibility for Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), Fred Cartwright is a busy guy.
Named executive director of CU-ICAR in April after 30 years with General Motors, Fred brings extensive experience to the 250-acre campus after leading design and development of advanced powertrains for commercial and military vehicles, management of GM’s hybrid bus program and numerous new business development initiatives for GM.
Still, he made time away from the dynamic campus to update GADC investors attending a Sept. 17 breakfast on progress to date, challenges ahead – and how CU-ICAR intends to be at the epicenter of developing new leaders, new ideas and new advances in automotive engineering.
Here is some of what CU-ICAR’s top executive had to say.
THE UPSTATE IS AT THE CENTER OF THE AUTOMOTIVE UNIVERSE
“With more than 1,000 automotive suppliers and assemblers within a 500-mile radius of the Upstate, and with upward of 125 of them calling the 10-county Upstate region home, the Upstate is well positioned for strategic and continuing growth. And automotive and transportation technology is a central component of Clemson University’s road map for the future.”
WHAT EXACTLY IS CU-ICAR?
“CU-ICAR is an idea that is working to develop new leaders and new ideas in automotive engineering. It is advancing the state of the art in automotive technology, built on a foundation of people and the necessity of relationships to foster new ideas. The result is that CU-ICAR is a critical brand for economic development in the state, the region and for the automotive industry.”
HOW HAS CU-ICAR BEEN ACCEPTED BY INDUSTRY?
“From the outset, South Carolina and the global automotive industry have embraced CU-ICAR with open arms. This has been reflected in the rapid increase in our graduate student base to over 210 this year … the expansion of our research and sponsored program awards, which exceed $4.4 million year to date … and the expansion of our partner base from 49 in 2011 to more than 100 in 2013.”
VISION MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
“CU-ICAR is the result of visionary leadership. While still in its infancy, still a startup organization of sorts that is taking its next step in maturity, it’s the people here – the students, the faculty, the industry leadership and the Clemson leadership – that, combined with a rejuvenated automotive industry, make CU-ICAR’s future very bright.”
WHAT INDUSTRY TRENDS IS CU-ICAR FOLLOWING CLOSELY?
“What’s next for CU-ICAR? Our primary goal will continue to be to conduct research that is leading edge and relevant to the global automotive industry. Still, national automotive trends that we are focused on include autonomous (or self-driving) vehicles, light-weighting of materials to improve efficiency without compromising strength, advanced manufacturing techniques, and timelines for industry capacity expansion.”
WHAT IS NEXT UP FOR CU-ICAR?
“Going further, we will continue to develop our own research capabilities, focusing on product and manufacturing innovation. We intend to develop each of the CU-ICAR neighborhoods around a technology theme, such as advanced manufacturing or connected vehicles for mass transportation. We will strategically expand by targeting partner companies with an interest in establishing an engineering presence here, since that accelerates quality, high-paying job growth and innovation. And we will continue to partner with industry, local and state governments to make it all happen.”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
“Among our accomplishments is the continued emphasis on, and exemplary recognition of, our collaboration with industry. CU-ICAR’s distinct commitment to working with a wide range of industrial partners is one way in which we set ourselves apart. This year alone, we have won recognition for ‘improving the competitiveness of the automotive industry’ from the State Science and Technology Institute, and have been praised by the U.S. Department of Commerce for our industry-academia collaboration business model.”
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The Greenville Area Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization established by Greenville County Council to promote and enhance the economic growth and development of Greenville County. Since its founding in 2001, GADC efforts have resulted in the creation of more than 16,500 new jobs and more than $2.8 billion in capital investment in Greenville County. For more information on becoming a GADC investor and enjoying programs such as this, visit GoGADC.com or call 864.235.2008.
