June 26, 2018
Born in rural Saskatchewan, Dr. John L. Mann received a Doctor of Engineering (hc) and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Windsor, is a graduate of the Executive Business Program at the Ivey School of Business in London, and is a registered professional engineer in Ontario. Recently retired after 32 years of automotive engineering at various levels of responsibility at Chrysler Canada, he continues to remain active and enjoys providing a wide range of consulting services to Canadian companies and organizations.
Dr. Mann is one of the key founders of the University of Windsor / Chrysler Canada Automotive Research & Development Centre in Windsor Ontario. This innovative partnership brings academia and industry together in a setting that nourishes world class innovation in the automotive field. Launched in 1996, the centre has grown rapidly and has been recognized with several prestigious national awards including the coveted NSERC / Conference Board of Canada Synergy Award.
As Director of Engineering and Regulatory affairs before retiring, Dr. Mann was responsible for all technical matters at Chrysler Canada Inc. including: the Planning, Design, Construction, and Maintenance of all Canadian Facilities and Properties; all Corporate and Academic Research & Development Activities in Canada; Special Vehicle Manufacturing in Canada; Vehicle Safety Investigations and Recall Campaigns; Environment, Emissions, Fuel Economy, and Climate Change in Canada; and Canadian Federal, Provincial and Municipal Government Liaison with respect to the Development of, and Compliance with, all Product and Facility Related Regulations.
Dr. Mann began his engineering career in 1976 when he joined Chrysler Canada’s Engineering Division. His direct experience and expertise includes: the research and development of new technologies; the design and development of engine control systems and electrical/electronic systems; vehicle dynamics and chassis systems; vehicle safety systems; engine performance, fuel economy & emissions, alternative fuels, and Climate Change; quality engineering and supplier development; facility construction, maintenance and operation; service engineering; accident reconstruction; product liability; and regulatory development, certification, and compliance.
Among many business associations, Dr. Mann was a member of the Premier of Ontario’s Research & Innovation Council, chaired a number of Automotive Industry Committees, represented the Canadian Transportation Industry on numerous National Committees, Co-Chaired CRA’s SR&ED Partnership Committee, is the Chair of the Board for the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence, and still serves on several Boards. He is also a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario.