A. Ram

Over 17 years of experience in handling various projects in reputed organizations with knowledge on various Automobile Products and good exposure to Process and Systems. Good experience in handling thermal systems (HVAC, cooling system, air intake system, exhaust system), brake systems, steering & suspension system for LCV, passenger vehicles, bus and tractor segments. Good exposure in bringing new technologies for EV and ICE vehicles as part of Mahindra Technology Road Map.

Gained project management experience by collaborating with various vendors and cross-functional teams. Driven the technology road map and laid down the Technology Development Process for Mahindra as part of long-term strategy. Valuable experience in design, development, validation and analysis.

Senior Manager – Product Development - Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd - India

(2015-12)

• In-charge of Building the Technology Road map and long-term strategy for bringing the right technology suitable for both PV & CV segment
• Identification and execution of innovative technologies with frugality by collaborating with various Suppliers, start-ups fraternity across the globe
• Implementation of the Key technologies on the upcoming vehicle as a first mover in the segment
• Good understand of Electric vehicle technologies on the Brake system, Steering and Suspension system, HVAC system, Engine cooling system, Energy management, Seating System
• Good Exposure to SDV, E&E architecture and ADAS/ Parking Solutions for Automotive
• Exposure to AI, ML on the thermal behavior of in-cabin cooling and battery management
• Managed the budget close to 10cr for the VAVE implementable ideas and effectively utilized the same
• Managed the budget close to 25cr for the successful completion of Technology projects
• Developed the Dual A/c climate control by incorporating all the logics and ensure it met the vehicle climatization as per Indian conditions
• Managed tractor thermal management system & developed the 1D simulation Cabin Cool down Model for SUV application
• Good exposure to Thermal management of battery cooling for EV
• Development support and co-ordination for Ford JV projects
• Successfully controlled & monitored the budget close to 50cr for the VAVE Tech
• Lead for Continuous vehicle Improvement includes Problem solving, Warranty reduction, reduction of Field failure (3MIS, 12MIS & IQS)

Senior Manager - Nissan Ashok Leyland Technologies LTD - Chennai

(2010-10 - 2015-12)

• Aggregate in-charge for development of Trims, HVAC, Engine cooling, Exhaust System & Air Intake system, Brake system, Wheels & Tyres for MPV & Light commercial Vehicles
• Developed complete A/c System for Bus Configuration starting from specification finalization till the integration of all A/c parts in-line with Bus body requirements
• Developed the complete ABS unit for MiTR Bus to meet the Indian regulation
• Newly designed & developed roof control unit and A/c Ducts for Evalia as first-time solution for MPV segment in-line with benchmark vehicle for Indian Market
• Conducted Cooling & HVAC Vehicle Level Validation at IDADA- Spain with the support of Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTC-E)
• Conducted various tear down at supplier end to generate VAVE ideas and ensured the ideas into business benefits
• Co-ordinated with Renault- Nissan Plant for the responsible of Trim parts & ensuring the assembly process and quality met the design requirements
• Prepared the Detail technical final / Design Concept Sheet (DCS) for various commodities/ parts for the selection of suppliers based on technical requirements
• Co-ordinated with Nissan Japan, Europe, Thailand & China during the development
• Developed complete Centre console AC parts in a shorter lead time
• Reduced validation cost from 1crore to 70 lakhs based on technical negotiation with Japanese supplier
• Indigenously Design and developed the Roof Ducts for Nissan Evalia and met the benchmark vehicle A/c Performance

Assistant Manager Product Development - Maruti Suzuki India Limited - Gurugaon

(2008-08 - 2010-10)

• Worked on design & development of Control unit, Hoses & pipes, Louvers, HVAC for new & minor models
• Identified the improvements points at supplier's assembly and manufacturing line during audit & closely monitor the same for implementation
• Test in-charge for various vehicles like Eco, SX4 & Swift in Climatic Wind tunnel and ensured it meets the performance of A/c system and the Homologation requirements
• Participated in various vehicles build trials to identify quality & fitment problems and resolved the issues effectively
• Tear down analysis of competitor's vehicle like i10, TATA NANO, Fabia etc
• Audited various vendors Subros, sanden, Calsonic Kanesi, Motherson etc. to ensure the process and system met the product quality
• Exposure to Hybrid Electric Vehicle Project
• Done a quality improvement by a design change in AC pipe at the verge of SOP in a shorter lead time
• Achieved cost saving of Rs 70 lakhs. (Received award)
• Given speedy solution for the market & quality problems

Product Development Engineer - Visteon India (Now Hanon Systems) - Chennai

(2006-04 - 2008-07)

• Managed entire Air-conditioning System & Engine cooling system for Various OEMs
• Design & development of HVAC, Condenser, Radiator, pipes, Intercooler & Control units
• Good customer support experience by interacting with Various global customers like FORD, GM, VW, Fiat, Hyundai, Kubota-Japan & Indian OEMS like M&M, HM, ICML & TATA Motors
• Worked on new pursuits for FIAT-Italy, Kubota, TATA, GM, VW-Germany
• Vehicle level test (A/C performance test) done for different cars like Santro, Verna, Honda, Wagon, Getz, and Swift
• Good knowledge on various heat exchangers process, Fixture & Gauge development
• Worked on FORD Product Development System (FPDS)
• Converted the Pursuits/RFQ into New Business
• First time done Simulation using Ansys for Ford of Australia

Product Development Engineer - Vibromech Engineers & Services Ltd - Chennai

(2005-08 - 2006-04)

• Design & development of Rubber Damper for GM, DAIMLER CHRYSLER & CAT
• Design & development of Viscous Damper for CUMMINS INDIA LTD
• Slip Torque analysis & Shear stress analysis of Rubber Damper using ANSYS
• Exposure to various testing equipment namely torque test, Stiffness test, Endurance test, Belt run test and Natural frequency test

CAD Engineer - CPLR - Chennai

(2004-05 - 2005-06)

In charge of imparting training for students & corporate employees at CAD Centre. Managed projects.

• In charge of Imparting the training for Students & Corporate employee
• Modeling of Raw coal pipe for coal mill, coupling hub and locking plate
• Non-linear Analysis of jaw type coupling using macros
• Contact analysis of bolted joint & Static analysis of bicycle frame

Ph.D.

• Mechanical Engineering - B.S Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

M.S - Manufacturing Management - BITS – Pilani (2009-05)

M.Tech - Machine Design - Bharath Institute of Higher Education & Research (2005-07)

B.E - Mechanical Engineering - Madras University (2003-05)

+2 Std Higher Secondary School - St Anne's Matriculation Higher secondary school, Chennai (1999-04)