About Me　
David Koichi Chao, P.Eng.
Managing Editor
Director of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada)
Unlike many automotive writers who have never worked in the auto industry, David is unique in that he has extensive automotive industry experience. David is currently a board member and a Director of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada). Prior to becoming a writer, David worked as an automotive evaluation engineer for General Motors in Detroit headquarters. He also worked as an engineer for CAMI automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ontario (a joint venture plant between GM Canada and Suzuki). David was the very first employee to join CAMI back in 1987, and he made a significant contribution to the organization as a production engineer during his employment. David also worked as a Project Consultant for a major Toyota factory project in BC, Canada.
Working as a Managing Editor for Automotive Press International, David brings over to three decades of direct automotive experience to the table. David's experience as a vehicle evaluation engineer and technology strategist allows him to bring fresh, interesting perspectives of the cars, the people behind them, and the technology that binds them together. He has been writing automotive articles for 30 years. Over the years, his articles have appeared in numerous daily papers and magazines all across North America.
Considered by many as one of the most knowledgeable automotive journalists, David is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. Because of his extensive network of automotive contacts, David is able to bring the latest, most up-to-date information on cars, trucks, and the automotive industry itself.
As a specialist in Lean Thinking and Lean Manufacturing, David also provides unique perspective on industry topics such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Supply Chain, and Product Development process. He is often asked to be a Keynote Speaker at major Lean Conferences around the world. Prior to leading Automotive Press International, David was a Manager in charge of Supply Chain and Lean Manufacturing at CapGemini Ernst & Young Management Consulting firm in Vancouver. He travels on a regular basis internationally, visiting significant auto shows and development centres all around the globe.
A recipient of seven scholarships from University of British Columbia, David ranked in the top 2% during his engineering program at UBC and has been a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario and British Columbia for almost 30 years.
David has a Bachelor of Applied Science from University of British Columbia. He is a graduate of an Executive Certificate Program from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management. In addition, Mr. Chao has completed an Executive Program at Harvard Business School, which provided him with the latest insights around leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior.
Over the years, David has contributed to numerous local and national newspapers and magazines in North America, including highly respected outlets such as Toronto Star, Vancouver Sun, Denver Post, New York Post, Business in Vancouver, and many more.
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