Starting in manufacturing a person can see the flaws at the end that do not show up at the beginning with strategy or design. This allows teams to see the end game as a product and not what they put on paper. Frank discusses reorganizing teams for improved efficiency, influences in the transition from ICE to EV and various aspects of a vehicles production lifecycle. He also takes an important look at the future of alternative energy from the human aspect not merely a technology aspect. In this episode Frank and Stephan also discuss topics such as impact of manufacturing on strategy, the importance of hybrids in our decarbonization efforts and the future of ICE production. Frank Abkenar was the Global Director, Powertrain and Vehicle Thermal Systems at Ford Motor Company till December 2022. In his last role at ford, he led all ICE powertrains, as well as ICE and BEV Vehicle Thermal Systems development and integration across Ford’s global engineering centers.Mr. Abkenar has held several global roles in Product Development, Manufacturing, and Strategic Planning. Frank has also held several leadership roles in Europe and Asia Pacific, which included launching several Powertrains in new manufacturing facilities in Brazil, India, and China. In Asia Pacific, Frank was Director or Powertrain, leading the growth of Powertrain across the AP markets.Mr. Abkenar graduated from Oakland University with a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.If you would like to be a guest on the show contact: [email protected]

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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