DIRECTOR OF POWERTRAIN ENGINEERING NAMED 2025 SAE INTERNATIONAL FELLOW

By Izabela Zaluska, communications specialist, International Motors, LLC

Navtej Singh, director of powertrain engineering at International Motors, LLC* (International), was recently named a 2025 SAE International Fellow.

SAE International connects engineers and other professionals across aerospace, commercial vehicle and ground vehicle industries to enable safe, clean and accessible mobility solutions. 

Being named a fellow is one of the highest honors and recognizes 20 individuals annually worldwide who have made extraordinary and sustained impacts on the mobility industry.

“Engineering progress is driven by collaboration, continuous learning and disciplined execution. Organizations like SAE bring the industry together to advance technology responsibly and effectively,” said Singh, who has been an active member of SAE International for more than 20 years.

Singh leads the integration and development of advanced powertrain systems for commercial vehicle applications at International. He has more than two decades of experience in the automotive industry, including emissions control, propulsion systems, internal combustion engines, and electrified technologies. 

“International has consistently provided the opportunity to work on high‑impact, technically complex challenges that directly affect customers and society,” Singh said. “The company’s emphasis on engineering rigor, regulatory leadership, and real‑world durability aligns strongly with my professional values.”

Learn more about Singh’s career, what the SAE recognition means to him, and how it connects back to International’s vision to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility.

The following Q&A has been edited for style and brevity.

International: You were named an SAE International Fellow for your contributions to mobility, engineering, technology and society in the commercial vehicle industry. What is the significance of this achievement?

Navtej Singh: Being elected an SAE fellow is more than a personal accolade — it is a validation of the collective work we do at International to push the boundaries of commercial vehicle technology.

For me, this recognition reflects over two decades of commitment to the industry, including:

• Technical innovation: Filing more than 25 U.S. patents and publishing over 10 technical papers and over 40 peer review papers in powertrain, controls and emission technologies.
• Industry leadership: Serving on the SAE Executive Council Board Member for COMVEC and chairing committees like the Sustainable Development Program and the Heavy-Duty Charging Consortium.
• Society and sustainability: Leading teams to develop ultra-low nitrogen oxide systems, introduction of International’s S13® Integrated Powertrain, and e-mobility solutions that directly address the environmental challenges facing our world.

International: What does this achievement mean to you?

Navtej Singh: It’s a humbling reminder that technology by itself doesn’t create value — people do. When we align our innovations with real customer needs, our work becomes truly transformative. This honor belongs as much to the mentors who guided me and the talented teams, I’ve had the privilege to lead as it does to me personally.

We’re in the middle of a significant transformation at International. As we shift toward becoming a comprehensive solutions provider, this fellowship reinforces my commitment to ensuring our engineering remains at the global forefront of safety, efficiency and sustainability.

International: How does International’s vision to accelerate the impact of sustainable mobility tie in with the work being done at SAE?

Navtej Singh: There is strong alignment between International’s vision and SAE’s mission. Both focus on practical, scalable approaches to sustainable mobility, including emissions reduction, efficiency improvements, advanced combustion, alternative fuels and electrification. SAE plays a vital role by providing technical standards and collaborative forums that enable industry‑wide progress.

International: How has your participation in SAE helped you to adopt new ways of working or approaching problem solving?

Navtej Singh: SAE encourages systems‑level thinking and cross‑industry collaboration. Engaging with experts from original equipment manufacturers, suppliers, academia and regulatory bodies helps challenge assumptions and drives solutions that are technically sound, defensible and applicable across a broad range of use cases.

International: How do SAE standards help shape the commercial vehicle industry?

Navtej Singh: SAE standards establish a common technical foundation for safety, quality, interoperability and regulatory consistency. In the commercial vehicle sector, these standards are essential for enabling innovation while ensuring durability, compliance, and customer confidence across global markets.

International: What keeps you motivated in your day‑to‑day work?

Navtej Singh: Seeing ideas move from concept to execution, while mentoring talent, sharing vision, solving complex engineering challenges and driving innovation, keeps me energized every day. Knowing that our work directly translates into cleaner, more reliable and efficient vehicles operating in demanding real‑world conditions is highly rewarding.

*International Motors, LLC d/b/a International Motors USA LLC in Illinois and Ohio.