GROOMING A NEW GENERATION OF RACE ENGINEERS - AUTOLINE AFTER HOURS 508

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline After Hours features a deep dive into SAE International's Formula SAE program with guest Chris Ciuca, VP of Programs. The discussion highlights the program's 40-year history, its evolution into a crucial recruiting platform for engineers across automotive, aerospace, and other industries, and its adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual competitions. Ciuca emphasizes the program's focus on teamwork, design-build-compete ethos, and the growing trend towards electric powertrains among student teams. The panel also touches on the program's value in developing well-rounded professionals, even if it impacts GPA, and how industry veterans understand this trade-off. The latter half of the show shifts to broader industry topics, including GM's surprising Q1 profit, the debate around a new 'Cash for Clunkers' program, the uncertain future of ride-hailing, the rise of contactless car shopping, and the challenges of new vehicle launches in the current climate.