IAV Automotive Engineering Inc. has had a new President since the beginning of 2011. Andrew Ridgway comes with experience from Nissan and General Motors. In the future, he plans to tie IAV Automotive Engineering Inc. even more closely to the overall IAV Group and take the company's North American business to new heights.
Andrew Ridgway is the new President of IAV's American subsidiary, IAV Automotive Engineering, Inc., in Northville (Michigan). In 2010, his predecessor, Utz-Jens Beister, returned to a senior management position at IAV GmbH.
Ridgway is well-known in the automotive industry. He began his career at Nissan, first in the United Kingdom and then in Japan overseeing the New Model Production Preparation and Simultaneous Engineering segments. He shared responsibility for launching production of the Nissan Micra in the UK – the first Micra vehicle to be produced outside of Japan.
Previous Executive Positions at General Motors and Valeo Thermal Systems
He then moved to General Motors where he assumed several executive functions in vehicle manufacturing and in launching production of new vehicles both in the USA and Europe. He played a key part in starting production of the Astra, Zafira and Corsa models in existing and newly constructed plants. Most recently, Ridgway was General Manager of Valeo Thermal Systems in North America. This capacity also included responsibility for developing and marketing engine cooling and air-conditioning systems.
This means Ridgway can draw on a wealth of experience in the automotive sector. "I am delighted to join the IAV family – this is where I can concentrate on high-tech and the future of an industry I love", he says. "It's our job to continue expanding business in North America."
New Challenges to Technology and the Power to Innovate
Ridgway is committed to the strong culture of teamwork at IAV. He will integrate the US subsidiary even more closely into IAV’s international family and help set new standards in efficiency and customer satisfaction. "This chance comes at a time when the US automotive industry is clearly on the road to recovery", says Ridgway. "At the same time, manufacturers are being confronted with new and growing demands on technology and the ability to innovate – in areas that are already served admirably by the entire IAV Group."
"Andy's vast experience and strong customer focus are key to achieving our ambitious business goals in the USA", says Dr. Gerhard Maas, Executive Vice-President of International Operations at IAV. "We already received a lot of recognition there for our engineering expertise in powertrain development – we don't intend to rest on our laurels though, but continue to evolve and move forward. The highest priority is to ensure the maximum level of customer satisfaction from the American market and to accomplish this with profound expertise, coupled with client relations based on confidence and trust.”
About IAV
IAV Group is an engineering and technical consultancy servicing the global automotive industry with over 4,500 employees worldwide. As a recognized leader in the specification, design, development, validation and production launch of advanced vehicle and powertrain systems, IAV Inc. deploys a leading team of technical experts, engineering tools and program processes from its North American technical center in Northville, Michigan.