Jerry “Jay” Alvarez brings an extensive background within the automotive industry. From accessories management to development of high performance vehicles, Mr. Alvarez brings expertise in sales and marketing, new product design and development, operations management and customer service excellence.
Mr. Alvarez is recognized as both a leader and design specialist in the automotive aftermarket industry. Mr. Alvarez was solely responsible for developing the Lund sponsored 2003 Cadillac CTS that broke the world speed record at Bonneville Salt Flats. In 2002 and 2005 he was recruited by legendary automotive figure Chip Foose, to develop specialty aftermarket products for the 2002 Cadillac DTS and in 2005, Mr. Alvarez custom designed two award-winning vehicles for the world renowned SEMA car show held annually in Las Vegas, NV. For his Chip Foose efforts, he was featured on The learning Channel's hit series "Rides".
From 2000-2007, Mr. Alvarez served as Chief Engineering Officer for Phoenix based Lund Cadillac where he increased national visibility and awareness by stimulating market demand for performance accessories through celebrities and influential industry individuals. The sales of aftermarket accessories, development and promotion of new products while working closely with dealership sales teams resulted in sales of more accessories than any other Cadillac dealer in the nation.
Mr. Alvarez was personally was responsible for increasing Lund’s perforance accessories sales to more than $10M per year. Additionally, Mr. Alvarez personally developed and built the chassis and suspension, assisted in fabrication, designed aerodynamics and body kit and worked with Chip Foose on wheel design with attention to cosmetics and functionality of Lund’s custom performance Cadillac CTS that would result in a vehicle that would be the world’s fastest Cadillac, breaking the 200 mph speed record in 2004 and breaking that record twice in 2005 (218 mph).
This was achieved by Mr. Alvarez writing specific software to accommodate synchronization between the engine and computer to create greater horsepower and torque. This also included modifications to the chassis for stability, and to the body for improved aerodynamics. Mr. Alvarez formed a specialty team to implement all the programs and modifications required to attempt a world land speed record which he and his team achieved in October 2004.
He then developed new software and modifications to a vehicle and will attempt another world land speed record in 2009.
From 2007-2008, Mr. Alvarez served as Regional Manager for Advanced Metal Forming Technologies (A.M.T.) in Ventura,California where he increased sales in excess of 40% for all of the company’s territories west of the Mississippi.
In 2008, Jay was hired by Driven Performance, to optimize domestic vehicles. He was recently brought to AEDC to shepherd the development of their e3 Fuel Saver product.
