This month, we are highlighting a team member from our European office – Guido Dellarole. Guido is a Senior Application Engineer who works with customers to design the optimal solutions for steering systems and chassis.
What initially drew you to a career in automotive component design and engineering?
My career began in a different way. I was fascinated by airplanes from young age and that passion led me to study aerospace engineering where I discovered a deep interest in aerodynamics, the way air flows around structures, the challenge of optimizing performance through design. That curiosity eventually led me into the automotive world that is in some ways similar to it. It’s been a rewarding transition; I can apply my knowledge of aerodynamics and design to a different kind of components.
You’ve spent many years working on ball joints, tie rods, and chassis components – what excites you most about this area of engineering?
What fascinates me the most is the direct impact these parts have on vehicle safety, handling and driver experience. These are not just mechanical parts, they are the basis of how a car feels on the road. I find it incredibly rewarding to refine designs that improve steering precision, reduce vibration and ensure durability under real-world conditions.
I also enjoy the challenge of balancing performance with cost and manufacturability: there is always room to innovate whether it’s improving fatigue life or integrating new technologies and since these components are so critical to vehicle dynamics, even a small improvement can make a big difference.
How has your master’s degree in aerospace engineering influenced your approach to design?
Aerospace studies have shaped the way I approach design, in terms of precision, efficiency and system-level thinking. This path demands exceptional attention to details and a clear understanding of how every component interacts under extreme conditions, that mindset has carried over into automotive.
I approach each design always considering how small changes can impact overall performance. Also, analytical tools and simulation software have become essential in evaluating and refining designs.
Most important, it taught me to never compromise on safety and reliability, which are just as critical in automotive applications.
Can you share a project or innovation from your career that you’re particularly proud of?
Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to develop a wide range of components across different sectors, from steering systems to chassis elements, but projects I’m particularly proud of were contributing to the suspension design of high-performance sportscars.
The challenge is always to engineer a suspension system while meeting strict weight and durability targets. You have to think about every part of the design, removing material from every possible area without compromising structural integrity.
In your view, how has the automotive industry evolved in terms of component design and production over the past decade?
The automotive industry has undergone a significant transformation in both component design and production, over the last years one of the biggest shifts has been the push toward lightweighting.
At the same time, simulation and digital validation have become central to the design process. Tools like FEA and topology optimization allow engineers to remove material in a smart way while still guaranteeing safety and durability, this has also shortened development cycles and improved design.
Additive manufacturing has now open up new possibilities and concepts, designs that were once impossible to machine can now be printed with internal specific structures, optimized geometries and minimal waste.
What attracted you to CCTY and what do you hope to accomplish in your new role?
I was drawn to CCTY by the opportunity to investigate and expand my knowledge towards other components, such as bearings and other chassis parts which play a vital role in vehicle dynamics. What especially attracted me was the company’s commitment to innovation and its expanding focus on emerging markets as robotics, and the chance to work on advanced solutions not only for traditional automotive chassis components but also for innovative products.
As part of the Engineering Team, I hope to contribute to innovative product developments, collaborate across disciplines and help drive engineering solutions that meet the evolving demands of customers.
How do you see your technical expertise contributing to the company’s work with OEM customers?
My technical background allows me to contribute directly to CCTY’s work with OEM customers by offering solutions that are both performance-driven and cost-effective. I understand the critical requirements OEMs face whether it’s durability under extreme conditions, precision in fit and function or integration with evolving vehicle platforms like EVs and autonomous systems.
Part of this job is to translate their performance targets into manufacturable designs, solve issues quickly and propose innovations that align with their long-term goals.
Are there specific technologies or trends in automotive suspension and steering systems that you’re eager to explore at CCTY?
Yes, there are several exciting technologies and trends in suspension, steering and chassis, I look forward to contributing to the development of components that support these advanced systems as design of higher precision joints or use of advanced materials for bearings that can withstand dynamic loads and offer high durability.
The industry is facing a huge transformation driven by electrification, autonomy and lightweighting and chassis systems are the core of this transition.
What do you think are the most critical factors engineers should consider when selecting or designing ball joints and tie rods for heavy vehicles?
Engineers must consider several critical factors to ensure safety, durability and optimal performance.
Heavy vehicles are subjected to very high static and dynamic loads, so components must be engineered to withstand axial/radial and torsional forces without deformation or fatigue signs, this makes material selection essential.
Fatigue resistance is another key consideration; robust design validation is crucial to ensure long-term reliability. Environmental factors should be considered as these parts must perform reliably under extreme temperatures and corrosive conditions.
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges OEMs face today when it comes to motion control components?
OEMs face several critical challenges, especially since vehicle platforms evolve toward electrification and automation.
One major challenge is system integration: OEMs are increasingly expected to deliver compact, multifunctional systems that combine steering, suspension and braking into unified chassis modules.
Another key issue is functional safety: as vehicles become more autonomous, motion control components must meet stringent safety standards.
What excites you most about working closely with customers on custom-engineered solutions?
Every customer brings a unique set of requirements, constraints and performance goals; collaborating with them allows me to dive deep into their world, understand their blocking points and co-design solutions that can solve their issues.
It is really rewarding to be part of the design and development process from concept to implementation, mainly when it involves solving technical problems that don’t have off-the-shelf solutions whether it’s optimizing a joint for extreme conditions, developing a chassis component for a new vehicle or exploring materials that improve durability and reduce weight
Do you have a personal engineering philosophy or guiding principle that drives your work?
Yes of course, and it is beyond engineering: I really value the relationships that form through collaboration. I take pride in being approachable and responsive, because I believe that strong relationships lead to better solutions.
When customers feel heard and supported, they’re more open to innovation and more confident in the process, that sense of care is what makes this job really interesting.
Outside of engineering, what are your interests or hobbies that help you recharge and stay creative?
I find energy and inspiration through some key passions that have shaped both my personal and professional life. Traveling has always been central and thanks to my family and my job, I have had the chance to explore many countries around the world. Each journey has increased my interest in different cultures, perspectives and ways of living. The cultural exchange was one of the things that attracted me to CCTY, where global collaboration is part of the DNA.
I also value moments of relaxation and mindfulness together with my wife, such yoga practice, these quiet rituals help us stay grounded and connected.
Another important part of my daily life is food and not only as Italian. Food is not just eating, it plays a central role in everyday life and it deeply connect both the body and the mind, it is all about balance, energy, and well-being.
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