Larry T. Nitz, executive director of GM global propulsion systems, will become the most recent recipient of the prestigious Edward N. Cole Award for Automotive Engineering Innovation, SAE International announced.
“To be a recipient of the Edward N. Cole award is a great honor. I’m accepting this award on behalf of all the men and women I’ve had the pleasure to work with, innovate with, and whose dedication and teamwork has transformed ideas into production vehicles,” Nitz said. “Automotive, and especially propulsion engineering, is one of the most diverse, dynamic and passionate fields of engineering and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities I’ve been provided to make a difference throughout my career,” he added.
Nitz has specifically had a guiding hand in automatic and manual transmission development, along with gasoline, electric and hybrid powertrain systems. He was deeply involved in developing clutch-to-clutch transmission controls for the Saturn Automatic and GM Allison transmissions used in heavy duty trucks. His work in clutch-to-clutch control set the stage for other 6-, 8-, 9- and 10-speed transmissions at GM.
Nitz also led the development of the disruptive Voltec propulsion system for the first- and second-generation Chevrolet Volt, while his most recent work involves completing the battery and propulsion system for the purely-electric 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Nitz will be honored, and receive his award, during the SAE 2016 World Congress, which will be held April 12-14.
Comment
A well deserved award for a team that gave us the Gen 2 Volt, and produced in one year what Tesla Motors hasn’t done yet: a 200-mile America BEV that cost less than $37,000 (without rebates or incentives) and seats five.