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 is a Senior Manager with Exponent's Vehicle Engineering practice located in Detroit, Michigan office. He advises clients on propulsion systems (internal combustion, electric, and hybrid), axles, power transfer units, and torque management devices. He also works with clients to help manage their transition to electric drive systems and assists with intellectual property (IP) validity and infringement cases in legal disputes. Mr. Palazzolo specializes in developing and accelerating the commercialization of innovative vehicle technologies

Mr. Palazzolo has more than 30 years of experience in vehicle propulsion and power distribution systems. He has worked with major automotive component manufacturers to strategize and manage their transition to electric drive systems, leading teams and developing programs to help them meet emerging automotive trends and to develop cutting-edge technology. 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 with CarTech. 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 and has been an ASE Certified Master Technician & Undercar Specialist for 23 years. He is a certified Engineer in Training through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).