Dr. Simon XU is Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Optimization at General Motors Technical Center in Warren, MI, and is responsible for innovations of optimization tools in vehicle architecture development.

Dr. Simon leads a team of experts focusing on optimization techniques such as parametric modeling, morphing, topology optimization, generative design, and multi-disciplinary optimization. Through his team’s effort and influence, GM’s virtual vehicle development has been continuously improved by the implementation of new tools and processes to meet the new challenges in CO2, EV architectures, advanced battery design, and electric drive technologies.

He chairs the GM Global Optimization Focus Group and approves the publications of GM corporate guidelines on optimization processes. He received Boss Kettering Award in 2013 and again in 2016, GM’s highest honor for technical achievement in innovation.  

He had three US patents and 10+ numerous internal GM records of inventions. He is also a member of the Global Automotive Management Council and an organizer for optimization sessions of the Society of Automotive Engineers’ annual meeting. Simon was recently promoted to the Technical Fellow level at GM