Awards Ceremony
Celebrating Excellence & Innovation
The Power Progress Awards will celebrate excellence and success in the engine and powertrain sector and will provide a venue for relaxed business networking; an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones.
Awards entry deadline extended to: July 17, 2024
2024 Awards Categories
Final Award
A final award, the Achievement of the Year, is a "best of the best" selected from the category winners.
2024 Awards submissions deadline extended to: July 17, 2024
2024 Judges
Alan Berger
Managing Partner, abcg
Alan Berger is Managing Partner at abcg, an on- and off-highway commercial vehicle advisory practice offering extensive industry knowledge and experience and an external 360o perspective to clients, qualifying them to deliver accelerated, sustainable transformation that propels business performance. abcg helps to identity and remove points of friction and provide hands on support to implement the required change.
Berger has over 30 years of international product development experience in the commercial vehicle industry, much of which he gained through roles of increasing importance with Volvo Construction Equipment, culminating in the role of Senior Vice President, Technology followed by Group Chief Technology Officer at CNH Industrial. In these roles, he drove product development and technology strategy and development, along with product management and operation of technology business units.
Berger also serves as Independent Director at Multi-Wing A/S in addition to being past board chair of the SAE ITC.
Chetan Dharmadhikari
Technical Program Manager at Mercury Marine
Chetan Dharmadhikari is a technology leader and disruptive innovator with an 18-year career in new product development and engineering across diverse industries. With expertise spanning research, product development, budget management, failure analysis, manufacturing, team leadership and data analytics, he has made significant contributions to the marine, automotive, oil & gas and electrification sectors. At the forefront of a crucial electrification program, he drives the development of electric vehicles, prioritizing innovation, safety, tranquility and environmental sustainability. In this role, he formulates strategic initiatives, cultivates partnerships, devises comprehensive product roadmaps and guides cross-functional teams spanning design, testing, sourcing, manufacturing, service and customer engagement.
Dharmadhikari’s proficiency extends across various domains including high-voltage systems, mechanical design, engine performance optimization, thermal management, infrastructure development, health & safety and continuous improvement. He holds nine patents from the US Patent Office and is a certified Design for Six Sigma green belt practitioner.
Dharmadhikari has a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s in Fluid & Thermal Engineering from the University of Munich, Germany, and is pursuing a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, focusing on battery technology.
Jason Drost
Senior Engineering Manager at Aprilaire
Jason Drost, Senior Engineering Manager at Aprilaire, is a mechanical engineer by trade earning both his bachelors and his MBA from UW-Madison. He brings a broad range of experience working in both the on-highway and off-road industries.
During his career, Drost has worked on diesel engine aftertreatment system development in the trucking industry and off-road OEM equipment, among other market segments. Most recently, he has worked on developing off-road battery-powered equipment, as well as incorporating autonomous functionality in both battery-powered machines and internal combustion engine-powered machines.
Dennis J.Slater
President (retired), Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Dennis J. Slater served as president of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) from 2002 through 2021. Previously, he held the position of president of the Construction Industry Manufacturers Association (CIMA), which became AEM in 2002 after a merger between CIMA and the Equipment Manufacturers Institute (EMI).
Throughout his career with AEM, Slater served as Publications Editor, Director of CONEXPO, and Chief Operating Officer, while also taking AEM from a single exhibition strategy (CONEXPO) to multiple industry-leading events including World of Asphalt, The Utility Expo, the combined CONEXPO-CON/AGG co-located with IFPE, and overseas CONEXPO events. Under Slater’s leadership, AEM membership grew by 50% to more than 1,000 member companies, with revenue increasing nearly 700% to $60 million annually.
As president, Slater set the strategic direction and operation of all AEM programs, focusing on core service areas of market information, public policy advocacy, and exhibitions.
Slater also served as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Association Committee of 100, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Council of Manufacturing Associations, American Society of Association of Executives (ASAE), Wisconsin Society of Association Executives, and CEO Roundtable, and director of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). He previously served as Director and Chair of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) in 2014, and Director and Chair of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) in 2004.
Slater holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, and history from Carroll University (Waukesha, Wis.).
2024 Judging Criteria
Nomination Guidelines
The following are the award categories for the 2024 Power Progress Awards. Judging will be based on the nomination information provided, and on the industry knowledge and experiences of the judges. Judges will look at the nominations received for each category and rank them accordingly. The quality of the nomination information received is extremely important, as it will be the primary basis on which the judging selections are made.
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This award is for new internal combustion engines (all fuel types including diesel, gasoline, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.) targeted for use in on-highway commercial vehicles or off-highway equipment (construction, mining, agriculture, turf management, etc.), as well as stationary applications (e.g., power generation) and marine. The engine must have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024, with a target production date specified.
Judges will consider innovations relating to engine design, emissions, telemetry/connectivity, control technology, packaging, IoT systems and ease of maintenance and ownership considerations. (Products already entered the previous year will not be considered unless significantly altered.)
This award is for new technologies used with internal combustion engines, such as fuel injection systems, valve actuation systems, turbochargers, thermal management technologies (fans, coolers, etc.), aftertreatment components and systems and software solutions. Technology must have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024, with a target production date specified.
This award is for any mechanical or hydraulic drivetrain component used in a traditional/conventional powertrain. This could include (but is not limited to) transmissions, axles, hydraulics pumps and motors, hydrostatic drives, and wheel drives/wheels. Joint entries from component suppliers, OEMs, and end users will be accepted. The component must have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024, with a target production date specified.
This award is for new technologies related to the hydraulic function of vehicles and equipment in mobile and stationary applications. This could include hydraulic pumps, motors, valves and other related components. The technology must have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024, with a target production date specified.
This award recognizes achievement in digital and electronic controls and monitoring products, human machine interface and related technologies used in mobile and stationary applications. Products must have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024, with a target production date specified.
This award is for new off-highway equipment or vehicles (construction, mining, agricultural, turf, marine, etc.) and is intended primarily for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It highlights unique, technologically advanced or “ground-breaking” applications of power systems (all fuel types) and/or powertrain components.
Third-party submissions from suppliers, OEMs, distributors and end users for applicable products will be accepted. The product should have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024. While products with a target production date are preferred, operational prototypes/concepts will also be considered.
This award is for new on-highway commercial vehicles (trucks, vans, buses, etc.) and is intended primarily for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It highlights unique, technologically advanced or “ground-breaking” applications of power systems (all fuel types) and/or powertrain components.
Third-party submissions from suppliers, OEMs, distributors and end users for applicable products will be accepted. The product should have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024. While products with a target production date are preferred, operational prototypes/concepts will also be considered.
This award is for new power generation equipment and is intended primarily for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). It highlights unique, technologically advanced or “ground-breaking” applications of power systems (all fuel types) and/or related components.
Third-party submissions from suppliers, OEMs, distributors and end users for applicable products will be accepted. The product should have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024. While products with a target production date specified are preferred, operational prototypes/concepts will also be considered.
This award is for a supplier who has developed electrified components or related technology used in pure electric or engine/electric hybrid powertrains. This technology might include batteries, battery management systems (including cooling), electric motors, fuel cells, etc. This award is targeted primarily at suppliers of power and drivetrain components, although OEMs can also enter with complete machines incorporating new power technologies. Products must have been introduced in calendar year 2023 through June 30, 2024, with a target production date specified.
Entries for this category should detail why this distributor, based in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico), excelled in 2023 and early 2024. It may have expanded its sales, provided world class customer service, added services and capabilities, or been innovative in its dealings with engine OEMs and/or equipment end users. Excellence in training and safety will also be considered. Distributors may enter themselves for this award, and an engine manufacturer, OEM or end user can also submit entries on behalf of a distributor.
Entries for this category should detail why this distributor, based outside North America, excelled in 2023 and early 2024. It may have expanded its sales, provided world class customer service, added services and capabilities, or been innovative in its dealings with engine OEMs and/or equipment end users. Excellence in training and safety will also be considered. Distributors may enter themselves for this award, and an engine manufacturer, OEM or end user can also submit entries on behalf of a distributor.
The Product Development Team of the Year recognizes collaboration and innovation in the field of new product development. The award is targeted to power system and component manufacturers, distributors/packagers and OEMs who wish to recognize the contributions made to the company and the industries it serves by the members of its product development team.
The judges will choose between the winners of all the categories and present a ‘best of the best’ award, showcasing what the judges assess to be the company or technology deserving the ultimate accolade of The Power Progress Award. No separate submissions are required for this award.
2023 Awards Categories and Shortlist
Engine of the Year
AGCO Power Core75 diesel engine
Hatz 4H50N diesel engine
Isuzu 6H-Series open gen-set power units
Engine Technology
of the Year
Gits Mfg. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valves and Exhaust Back-pressure valves
Stored Energy Systems (SENS) SuperTorque 8Z battery-charger engine starting system
Engine Distributor
of the Year:
North America
DPC Mid-America, Mansfield, Texas
Engine Power Inc., Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
M & L Engine LLC, Schriever, Louisiana
Engine Distributor
of the Year:
International
Bimotor, Cirie, Italy
Rama Motori, Reggio Emilia, Italy
Secodi, Nantes, France
Powertrain Product
of the Year
Dana Spicer HVT1 powersplit transmission
Danfoss Thorx cam lobe motors
John Deere 8 Series eAutoPowr Electric Variable Transmission
Power Application
of the Year
WINNER: Bobcat
Shortlisted: Caterpillar
New Power
Technology Award
Dana e-Driveline and e-Motion drivetrain solution
John Deere EMD 100 single-speed electric motor drive
Employer of the Year
WINNER: Cummins
If you have any questions regarding the awards program, please contact:
Becky Schultz
VP – Content, KHL Power Group
Cell: +1 480-408-9774
Email: becky.schultz@khl.com
