With a new executive at the helm, Imperial Auto USA Corp.'s strategy for the Americas is set to accelerate—especially in the burgeoning EV market where efficient fluid transmissions are critical.
James Gaylord, who has spent nearly three decades steering sales and engineering at Gentex, Johnson Controls, ATI, and Tenneco, now reports to Vikram Wagh, MD & CEO of Imperial Auto Industries. His track record shows a knack for scaling operations and forging supplier relationships, skills that will be crucial as the firm seeks deeper penetration in North and South America.
Imperial Auto isn’t a new name in the automotive world; it designs, engineers, and assembles fluid transmission solutions for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, agriculture machinery, railways, and defence systems. What’s fresh is the company’s emphasis on localising supply chains in the U.S.—a shift that could shave days off delivery times for EV makers who rely on precise component timing.
The move comes amid a wave of EV mandates across the continent, with Canada tightening battery component sourcing rules and the U.S. tightening tariffs on imported automotive parts. By tightening its U.S. supply chain and boosting purchasing power, Imperial Auto is positioning itself to meet these regulatory demands while keeping costs manageable for its customers.
For buyers and industry watchers, the appointment signals that Imperial Auto will likely launch new, higher‑efficiency transmission modules tailored for electric powertrains. The company’s competitors—BorgWarner, ZF, and Aisin—have already rolled out EV‑specific kits, so Imperial Auto’s next steps will be closely watched.
Gaylord’s mandate is effective immediately, with a phased rollout of localized production in Texas and Florida slated for Q3 2026. The company will also begin partnering with U.S. battery manufacturers to integrate transmission controls more tightly with power‑train software.
In short, Imperial Auto’s new leadership marks a decisive push into the EV arena, promising faster delivery and tighter integration for the Americas market. Buyers can expect to see the first wave of updated transmission modules by early 2027, a timeline that could give the company a competitive edge as EV sales surge.