Phil comes at a pivotal time for Pinnacle Engines as we gain momentum in Asian markets and reach commercialization stages of our first significant partnership. His extensive experience within the automotive industry and deep relationships in Asian markets will aid in Pinnacle’s significant growth in the coming months.

—Ron Hoge, Chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Engines

Pinnacle Engines is currently expanding into a new 13,000 ft² product realization facility in Silicon Valley. Pinnacle’s first engines, jointly developed with its first commercial OEM partner, will launch in Asia in 2014.

Murtaugh spent 33 years in General Motors, culminating in his position as Chairman and CEO of GM China Group from 2000 - 2005. Murtaugh then served as the Executive Vice President of SAIC Motor, where he was responsible for international operations, including Ssangyong Motors of Korea. He also spent three years as the CEO of Asian Operations for Chrysler Group, where he made crucial decisions that improved business operations in the region. Murtaugh earned a bachelor’s degree from Kettering University and a master’s degree in industrial management from Stanford University.

By 2016, there will be 200 million motorcycles, cars and trucks sold each year globally, leading to great opportunities for improving the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. Recent testing by FEV has verified that the innovative, patented ultra-efficient Pinnacle Engine design provides 30-50% fuel economy. In a comparison study with Honda Fit, the standard equipment achieved 36 mpg and with Pinnacle’s technology the same automobile achieved 57 mpg.

The immense and rapid growth of the automotive market globally provides an immediate and crucial need for decreasing CO₂ emissions. We are thrilled to have Phil’s experience and knowledge to assist in the commercialization of Pinnacle’s technology especially in Asian markets.

—Monty Cleeves, Founder, President and CTO for Pinnacle Engines