The Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Joint Policy Board announced the appointment of Dr. Roger A. Heimbuch as executive director of the Partnership.

Dr. Heimbuch had previously concluded a 32-year career with General Motors Corp., where his assignments in advanced product and manufacturing engineering focused on the selection and application of materials from a total system point of view. His most recent position at GM was Director — Materials and Fastening Engineering Center, NAO Engineering.

During his time with General Motors, Dr. Heimbuch made many significant contributions to automotive materials technology. He participated as author of over 30 publications on materials applications in automotive, and he is a member of many technical professional societies, including SAE, ASME and ASM. He received a BSME, with honors, at Iowa State University, as well as an MSME and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan.

"As a representative of the General Motors Corp., Dr. Heimbuch was involved with all platform programs," said Jody Hall, chair, Strategic Planning and Review Committee (SPARC) for the Auto/Steel Partnership. "His last
assignment was to establish best engineering practices with a goal of achieving materials and fastener commonization, a significant cost reduction program for General Motors Corp.

"As a global automaker with many light vehicle platforms, some of which operate autonomously, it is important to standardize all materials and fastener specifications. This was an outstanding effort for Dr. Heimbuch," said Hall.

"Many of the things Dr. Heimbuch was doing in working with all General Motors' platform teams makes him well prepared to work with the Partnership program teams where individuals have strong technical or individual corporate interests," she said. "With representatives from three of the worlds leading automakers and the major North American steel companies all sitting at the same table, it's a challenge to get everyone to contribute to the best of their ability in solving issues of common interest. He is very much aware of the synergy of many working together on the same problem."

"The Auto/Steel Partnership has been leveraging the funds of its member companies successfully for 17 years, and everyone is comfortable with the process. Dr. Heimbuch's job is to maintain momentum. His tasks include evaluating, prioritizing and completing a wide variety of team projects. He must ensure that the needed disciplines are represented on each project team and that sufficient funding is provided. Lastly, he must make sure results are effectively communicated," said Hall.

The Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) is a unique international association that includes the largest North American automotive companies and major sheet steel producers. Formed in 1987, the A/SP is the automotive industry's oldest OEM/supplier consortium. It leverages the resources of the automotive and steel industries to pursue research, validation and education common and critical to both industries. Activities assure continued leadership in the design and manufacture of automotive bodies utilizing sheet steel.