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Consumer prototype first drive!

 CBS Detroit 

Edison2 Unveils New Super-MPG Car At The Henry Ford

DEARBORN — Finally, a 21st Century car that really looks like it came from the 21st Century.

The venue was appropriate. The Henry Ford is a shrine to American innovation, and the Edison2 is packed with innovation from stem to stern.

Personnel

Edison2 utilizes a network of highly qualified individuals and companies scattered across the United States. While a relatively small company, over 100 specialized individuals worked on our entry in the Progressive Automotive X-Prize and are involved in the ongoing development of the Very Light Car.

 

Oliver Kuttner

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Oliver is a commercial real estate developer who was pivotal in revitalizing Charlottesville, Virginia’s downtown. Today, his enlightened and environmentally responsible methods are helping revitalize Lynchburg, Virginia.  Practicing what he preaches, Oliver placed Edison2’s offices and assembly facility in a formerly abandoned 360,000 square foot textile factory that now houses over 24 businesses and numerous residences. This important work demonstrates Oliver’s ability to lead complex projects, build business relationships, and deliver results. His broad experience also includes award-winning building design, sports car racing prototype construction, fathering the ALMS Ford GTR and, most recently, winning the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize. Oliver is a former BMW, Porsche, and Audi franchisee, and is a collector of Italian cars.

 

Ron Mathis

Chief of Design

Ron is a mechanical engineer with nearly three decades of experience in professional motor racing.  He has worked on flagship projects for Audi, Jaguar, and Dodge.  While at Doran Enterprises, he was responsible for the ground-up design of the JE4 Daytona Prototype and the American Le Mans Series Ford GTR.  Ron has also served as race engineer for championship winning teams, most recently with Audi Sport North America on the R10 program.  Among many wins and championships, Ron achieved two 24 Hours of Daytona outright victories and a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.  Ron blends sound engineering with practical realism in guiding Edison2’s design team.

 

Barnaby Wainfan

Chief of Aerodynamics

Barnaby is the Aerodynamics Fellow at Northrop Grumman, working on both classified and unclassified projects. Barnaby is a leading thinker and teacher of aerodynamics at one of the world’s premier aircraft design firms and an adjunct professor of Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Working with Ron Mathis on a number of auto racing projects, Barnaby has made a lasting impact by introducing a new perspective from his experience in high-performance aircraft design. Barnaby’s knowledge and application of aerodynamic design helped achieve the breakthrough efficiency of the Very Light Car.

 

Jason Hill

Automobile Design

Jason joined Mercedes-Benz' North American design studio in 1990 and worked on the MCC concept design, which formed the basis of the Smart car. He was the first designer recruited when Porsche opened their California design studio and was instrumental in the finished design of the Carrera GT. More recently, Jason served as Director of Design for the startup car company Aptera and joined Edison2 soon after the X Prize.

 

Peter Barnett

Industrial Design

Peter is a Lead Engineer in Industrial Design at Northrop Grumman.  He is also the owner of BarnettDesign/Altaira, working in areas such as medical systems, aerospace and transportation concept design, and workspace and furniture design. His expertise includes ergonomics/ human factors engineering, commercial product design and engineering, systems packaging design, and computer-aided design for manufacturing and visualization.

Julian Calvet

Chief of Supplier Relations

Julian has a lengthy involvement in many aspects of motor racing, including logistical and personnel services.  He is a real estate and fuel station developer, with experience in import/exports and sales.  Julian brings an extensive knowledge of auto suppliers, custom manufacturing and project management to the Edison2 team. 

 

Brad Jaeger

VP of Engineering and Operations

Brad Jaeger is a mechanical engineer and professional racecar driver. He has raced in the Indy Pro Series and driven the McDonald’s Dallara Daytona Prototype for Doran Racing in the Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series.  Brad graduated from Vanderbilt University, receiving a B.E. degree with Honors in Mechanical Engineering.  At Vanderbilt, Brad was an active member in their Formula S.A.E. team and worked with Lexmark International.  After graduation, Brad worked for Doran Enterprises on the Ford GTR program. Since 2009 he has served as the Director of Research and Development for Edison2, and drove the Very Light Car in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize.