Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC) has been at the forefront of powertrain innovation, supporting Tata Motors' award-winning vehicle range in India.

Having joined the business in 2007, Dr Salvio Chacko has played a crucial role in this process. Now as the Head of Powertrain at TMETC, Dr Chacko is responsible for the UK Powertrain team, based in Coventry, which is a critical part of the Tata Motors Global Powertrain Research & Development (R&D) footprint.

Tasked with improving powertrain efficiencies and leading research on zero emissions technologies, Dr Chacko says it's an exciting time to be involved in the sector: "Power systems are constantly evolving and there is a wealth of expertise in the UK, making TMETC an attractive global centre for low emissions innovation and advanced powertrain R&D.

"My job is to improve the overall powertrain efficiency and lead innovation within the powertrain arena. In addition to current powertrain engineering activities, the UK team is also involved in Tata Motors' advanced Powertrain R&D on both passenger and commercial vehicles."

It's this kind of collaboration and close-thinking that has meant Dr Chacko has been part of the Tata family for around 20 years, initially working out of Pune in India before joining TMETC.

He continued: "Tata Motors has been like a home for me over the last two decades. You get the opportunity to put your skills to good use, push the boundaries and constantly challenge yourself by working on cutting edge technologies. The Tata leadership and culture has always been of nurturing, my career is an example of this.

"I started my career at Tata as a product designer. Exciting future prospects followed through various roles in different departments - from Production Engineering (PE) to Engineering Research Centre (ERC) at Tata Motors, then challenging OEM assignments and international expat opportunities".

"During my time at TMETC, I have been successful in building a strong team with global expertise, expanding the Tata Motors powertrain footprint and capabilities in the UK.

"The TMETC Powertrain team in the UK is very diverse and multicultural, with staff from eight countries that have joined us from other leading global automotive OEMs and Tier 1 supplier companies.

"I also represent Tata Motors in the UK on the Powertrain Systems and Fuels Group for the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, where we have strategic discussions on powertrain innovation and wider research. Alongside this, I work with the University of Warwick as an Honorary Visiting Fellow, supporting PhD students and providing guidance on academic research.

"I am very passionate about encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers. From being a foundation governor on a local school's governing body, to supporting corporate initiatives, my STEM involvement has been varied. The UK Powertrain team always has a healthy representation from recent university graduates, supporting cutting edge research and development either as a summer student or a permanent member of staff."

Dr Chacko suggests that the TMETC powertrain team will get stronger with the opening of the purpose-built National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC), in partnership with the University of Warwick and Jaguar Land Rover.

On the move, he said: "The NAIC building is an unrivalled facility, with a state-of-the-art advanced propulsion research laboratory (APRL) consisting of powertrain test cells, dyno's, strip/build facilities and soak chambers which enable world class R&D on a wide range of powertrain options - both conventional and zero emissions.

"NAIC gives a great opportunity to the leading automotive academics, powertrain engineers and designers to come together to develop future vehicles and mobility solutions. We have been involved in many collaborative projects and research with Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Warwick, and we expect these opportunities to increase with the collaborative working environment of the new building."