François Castaing Joins Contour Energy Systems Board of Directors
27-year Veteran Automotive Executive Provides Deep Understanding of New Applications for Contour’s Breakthroughs in Battery Performance
AZUSA, CA – April 19, 2010 – Contour Energy Systems, an innovative portable power company commercializing next-generation battery systems, announced today that François Castaing has joined its board of directors. Mr. Castaing is a 27-year veteran transportation executive with Renault, American Motors Corporation (AMC), and Chrysler and an engineering graduate from École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers in Paris. In his new role, Mr. Castaing will help identify existing and potentially new automotive and transportation applications that can take advantage of Contour’s breakthroughs in battery performance.
A spinoff of the collaboration between Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, Contour Energy Systems is commercializing and licensing portions of its fast-growing IP portfolio. Contour's technology targets a wide range of portable power applications spanning the transportation, government and defense, medical, industrial, portable electronics and specialty application markets.
“I have served with François on the board of Amerigon (NASDAQ: ARGN), and found him to be extremely energetic, creative and insightful,” said Maurice Gunderson, chairman of the board at Contour Energy Systems and senior partner at CMEA Capital. “François has had a long and successful career in the global automotive sector including his present position on the board of TRW, a major automotive supplier. We look forward to working with François to help identify additional applications for Contour Energy battery systems in the global automotive marketplace.”
Mr. Castaing started his career in motor sports with Gordini in 1968 by working on engines for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Races. After Gordini had been taken over by Renault, he advanced to the position of Renault Sport Technical Director. His record of accomplishment with Renault included stints as a member of a racing-engine development team and as director of racing programs. Mr. Castaing was responsible for product engineering and development at AMC and was critical in the development of the downsized Jeep Cherokee SUV that became very profitable for AMC.
In 1996, Mr. Castaing was appointed executive vice president for Chrysler International Operations. After the Daimler-Benz merger with Chrysler in 1998, he became technical adviser to Bob Eaton until retirement in 2000. Mr. Castaing was also a member in of the Dodge Viper Team. Mr. Castaing was named “Man of the Year” by the French publication Le Journal de l'Automobile for his exemplary success in the United States. He was noted for developing the Renault-AMC structure, the launching of Renault Alliance and Encore for being the father of the Jeep Cherokee (XJ), as well as being one of the craftsmen of the rescue of Chrysler. He is a member of the United States National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and a fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Mr. Castaing’s current positions include:
• Chairman, Board of Directors, Detroit Science Center, 1998–present
• Chairman, Board of Directors, University Cultural Center Association, 2001–present
• Member, Board of Directors, For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST), 1994–present
• Member, Board of Directors, TRW, 2004–present
• Member, Board of Directors, Amerigon, 2001–present
Mr. Castaing holds a Baccalauréat, Mathématiques élémentaire, Lycée Thiers (Marseille, France); Classe préparatoire, Mathématiques supérieures, Lycée Thiers (Marseille, France); and a Diplôme d'ingénieur, École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers (Paris, France).
About Contour Energy Systems
Contour Energy Systems is an innovative portable power company commercializing customizable battery technologies for a wide range of cross-industry applications. Contour's next-generation battery systems are designed to deliver unprecedented improvements in energy and power density, and are capable of performing in extreme operating conditions at significantly improved costs. Founded through the collaboration of Caltech and CNRS, the French National Center for Scientific Research, the company combines expertise in nano-materials science, patented Fluorine-based battery chemistries and manufacturing processes to significantly advance the state of portable power. Headquartered in Azusa, CA, Contour Energy is managed by a world-class team of battery industry leaders from Caltech, Energizer, Duracell, ConocoPhillips, Hewlett-Packard and Ultralife. The company is privately held with funding from CMEA Capital, Harris & Harris Group, Schlumberger and US Venture Partners.
