ANN ARBOR ? Internationally known auto expert David Cole, who launched the Center for Automotive Research in 2003, is stepping down from his post as chairman to become chairman emeritus and to launch an auto educational group ? and probably do a lot more fly fishing at his cottage in Northern Michigan.

“I have been fortunate to have been a part of CAR’s success in becoming a forward-thinking and independent resource for the automotive industry,” Cole said. “I look forward to seeing CAR continue to flourish under the leadership of CAR’s management team.”

Taking Cole’s role as chairman is Jay Baron who has been president and CEO for the nonprofit research organization based in Ann Arbor. CAR’s mission is to conduct research on significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry, as well as organize and conduct forums of value to the automotive community.

“The importance of the automotive industry, and especially manufacturing in this country, will remain a key focus for policymakers, business and technology leaders, the financial world, and labor. The Center for Automotive Research will continue to serve the industry with leading edge research and analysis and collaborative forums,” said Baron. “Dave Cole has played a critical role since CAR?s creation in April 2003. We will continue to build upon the success we have achieved to date.”

James Jacobs, President of Macomb Community College, joined the CAR Board. In addition to Baron, Cole and Jacobs, the CAR Board of Directors includes John Basso, President, Diversified Tool Group; Dennis Cuneo; Partner; Fisher & Phillips LLP; Neil De Koker, President & CEO, Original Equipment Supplier Association; Richard Hervey, Consultant; Dr. Sean McAlinden, Executive Vice President of Research and Chief Economist, CAR; and Michael Stanton, President & CEO, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.

CAR performs numerous studies for federal, state and local governments, corporations, and foundations. The organization was originally created in the late 1970s at the University of Michigan. It became a standalone nonprofit corporation in 2003. In addition to Baron, the leadership team includes McAlinden and Lisa Hart, vice president of operations.

Cole, an engineer who holds a doctorate from the University of Michigan, helped launch CAR in 2003 after previously directing the U-M Transportation Research Institute’s Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation. He is the son of Ed Cole, the former President of the GM Truck Group.

The oft quoted Cole may be best known for his Auto Management Briefings he organized each August in Traverse City, a week of power networking and golfing for “C” level auto suppliers who wanted to rub elbows with top brass at the auto OEMs, like GM, Ford and Chrysler. Cole owns a summer cabin near Traverse City where he does a lot of fly fishing.

But Cole said he has no plans to retire, but instead will work on a couple of projects:

Helping a group of universities, domestic automakers, governmental groups and others create Auto Harvest, which he described as an “intellectual property portal for the exchange of IP in and out of the auto industry.” Cole said the initiative had been underway for a few years and relies on Compuware’s Covisint software platform.

Launching a new educational group called This Is Auto to educate the public about manufacturing.

For more information about CAR, visit www.cargroup.org

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