Academic Credentials
  • Masters, Automotive Engineering, Lawrence Technological University, 1999
  • Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering, Cleveland State University, 1994
Professional Honors
  • International Automotive Media Award, 2010
  • SAE Forest R. McFarland Award, 2007

Mr. Palazzolo has over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, specializing in vehicle propulsion and power distribution systems. He advises clients on a wide range of automotive systems and components, including propulsion systems (internal combustion engines, electric, and hybrid), transmissions (automatic, manual, CVT, hybrid, and DCT), clutches, transfer cases, all-wheel drive, driveshafts, halfshafts, axles, power transfer units, brakes, torque management devices, bearings, shafts, gears and castings. Mr. Palazzolo works with clients to help manage their transition to electric and hybrid drive systems. He has industry experience with intellectual property (IP) specializing in providing technical support to clients in legal disputes, and patent infringement matters. Mr. Palazzolo specializes in developing and accelerating the commercialization of innovative vehicle technologies and has obtained numerous patents for his unique and novel technical solutions.

Mr. Palazzolo has experience leading teams, designing, developing, and validating programs to help them meet emerging automotive trends and to develop cutting-edge technology. This work has ranged from early concept inception, full system and component Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R), validation to volume production while leveraging his expertise and background with root case analysis techniques to pinpoint areas of concern. He has also worked directly with and advised automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), tier suppliers, off-highway OEMs, and construction equipment manufacturers.

Mr. Palazzolo is a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Fellow (Class of 2013), a current SAE Master Instructor for drivetrain and all-wheel drive systems and has authored award-winning books on axles. He is the lead editor for the AWD Design Manual and has authored multiple chapters for Automotive Engineering Encyclopedia with J.W. Wiley & Sons. He was the recipient of the SAE McFarland Award in professional development. He is trained and skilled in the field of automotive repair, diagnostics and practiced as a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Master Technician & Undercar Specialist for 23 years. He is an accomplished fabricator and mechanic having diagnosed thousands of vehicle issues and failures for 40 years.  With all of this background, he consults on preventative maintenance and diagnostics, service and repair, warranty issues, standard of care and best practices.