Northumberland-based AVID Technology Group, an automotive clean-tech firm, has appointed Mike Dowsett to lead its expansion in North America.

To capitalise on the boom in vehicle electrification and clean automotive technology in the USA and Canada, he will lead the group’s growth strategy — along with operations at its new office in Michigan.

Mr Dowsett brings over 30 years of automotive industry experience to AVID, having worked both in the UK and the USA in the hybrid, electrification and controlled power sector for a number of companies, including Visteon Corp, FEV, Controlled Power Technologies, YASA Motors and Sevcon.

He has led international teams of engineers designing and developing electrification components and integrated powertrain systems for automotive and commercial vehicles.

Mr Dowsett said: “I’m looking forward to building and consolidating the company’s growing customer base in North America. It’s a great time for the right people with the right products and expertise to make an impact.”

AVID (www.avidltd.com) develops batteries, electric motors and powertrain components for next-generation hybrid and electric vehicles around the world. Its customer base includes Tier One automotive suppliers and OEMs.

The company was founded by engineer and entrepreneur Ryan Maughan in 2005 and is now a recognised leader in the field of systems electrification and heavy-duty vehicle electrification and hybridisation.