In his new role, Davenport will facilitate technical research projects to ensure steel remains in the forefront and the best solution for efficient weight reduction, fuel economy, vehicle range, environmental stewardship and added value to the auto industry. This includes developing and executing a strategic project portfolio for all A/SP activities focusing on the partnership between automakers, seven steel companies and tier suppliers. Davenport has extensive experience in Body-In-White (BIW), closures, sealing, exteriors and vehicle assembly. Most recently, he worked as director of application engineering at U.S. Steel Corporation where he was responsible for developing, directing and leading the product applications department teams that are the single point of contact with automakers and Tier 1 engineering organizations. Prior to his role at U.S. Steel, Davenport had nearly 20 years of advancing responsibilities at FCA (formerly Chrysler Corporation) with positions in product development, management and technical leadership. In his last role, he served as the BIW manager with design responsibility for the upperbody department at FCA.
Mike’s background with several collaborative organizations including WorldAutoSteel’s future mobility programs, as well as his extensive experience with an OEM, a steel producing company and a stamper, made him the ideal candidate to lead this organization forward,” said Catterall. “Under Mike’s leadership, the Auto/Steel Partnership will continue to advance a strong portfolio of collaborative technical projects with OEMs and steel producers to support future mobility initiatives for the automotive and mobility industry.”As OEMs and the steel industry are moving toward future mobility, it is my goal to ensure the Auto/Steel Partnership helps to maximize the opportunities and benefits of the many grades of steel available to meet evolving vehicle and manufacturing requirements,” said Davenport. “I want to continue our work to bring third-generation advanced high-strength steel into production vehicles to support OEM initiatives while demonstrating why steel is the most cost-efficient and the most environmentally friendly material to produce a Body-in-White for all vehicles including battery-electrics.”Davenport holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technology University and a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Oakland University.