Simon Benedict A.
Automotive Engineering Background | CAD & Simulation Expertise (Inventor, Fusion 360)
Port Elizabeth,
South Africa
Global rank:
7,514
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119,183
Skill pts: 5
About
I am an automotive engineer and entrepreneur with a passion for building innovative vehicle solutions. My journey began with Formula Student, where I led suspension and mechanical design for NMMU Racing, competing internationally in Germany. Today, I head ART Suspensions, specializing in performance suspension systems including coilovers, shocks, and air suspension.
I bring expertise in CAD, simulation, structural analysis, and manufacturing, combined with hands-on experience in designing and producing high-performance components. What drives me is my love for interesting automotive projects—turning bold ideas into real-world solutions that improve ride quality, handling, and overall driving experience.
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I bring expertise in CAD, simulation, structural analysis, and manufacturing, combined with hands-on experience in designing and producing high-performance components. What drives me is my love for interesting automotive projects—turning bold ideas into real-world solutions that improve ride quality, handling, and overall driving experience.
Experience
- Director Art suspensions · Self-employed Jul 2014 – Present 11 yrs 6 mos South Africa I lead ART Suspensions, where I design and develop performance suspension systems—including coilovers, shocks, and air suspension—while managing supplier partnerships, R&D, and dealer networks to grow the brand locally and internationally.
Other experience
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Formula Student Team
At Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Racing, I served as Head of Suspension and later Head of Mechanical Design, playing a central role in the team’s engineering, manufacturing, and competition efforts.
• Leadership & Team Management: Organized and trained design teams, oversaw the suspension department, and later led all mechanical design activities. I was responsible for guiding project members in CAD, simulation tools, and component manufacturing.
• Engineering Design & Analysis: Designed and simulated major components such as uprights, hubs, drivetrain, and battery pack. Conducted structural analysis of critical parts and ensured vehicle dynamics performance using simulation tools like MSC Adams, OptimumK, and MATLAB for tire modeling.
• Manufacturing & Prototyping: Led the machining and fabrication of suspension and chassis components, designed jigs and fixtures, and managed the build of three vehicles—two combustion-powered and one fully electric.
• Innovation & Aerodynamics: Instrumental in establishing the aerodynamics team, contributing to the development of a full aero package for the electric race car, while integrating electric drivetrain and battery systems into the design.
• International Competition: Represented South Africa as part of the first local team to compete successfully at Formula Student Germany 2011, Hockenheimring, where our car was judged not only on performance but also design, cost, and business case.
This experience combined advanced engineering, hands-on manufacturing, and leadership, preparing me to bridge technical design with project management and team development in a highly competitive environment.
Stats
0 followers, 0 following
Age: 35
Joined: August 12, 2021
Last seen: January 9, 2026
Area of Expertise
Languages
English Native or bilingual proficiency
Location
Port Elizabeth, South Africa