Tech Tactics Seminars



 

Porsche Parade 2024-Tech Tactics Seminars

Grant Larson - Director Special Vehicles, Exclusive Manufaktur – Porsche AG

Born in Billings, Montana in 1957, Grant Larson has been an exterior designer at Porsche since 1989. An early-age passion for cars was fueled by his role as a curator of the Brooks Stevens Automotive Museum in Mequon, Wisconsin. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Transportation Design and is a Graduate of Distinction from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif. Larson was an exterior designer for Audi AG in Munich before joining Porsche. He was the lead designer in projects such as the first Boxster prototype, Carrera GT show car, various 911’s, Boxster Spyders, derivatives, and limited editions, as well as several Motorsport cars such as the 935. His current position is Director of Special Vehicles for the Exclusive Manufaktur. Larson loves classic cars, especially early Porsches and is a big 356 fan. 
 

Porsche Parade 2024-Tech Tactics Seminars

Tony Hatter - Retired Automobile Designer - Porsche AG

Growing up in a small town in the north of England the prospect of becoming a car designer was about as likely as becoming an astronaut. However, his fascination of cars and motor bikes steered him to study automotive design in Coventry and pursue his Masters in Automotive Design at The Royal college of Art in London. Porsche had always been Tony’s goals, but it would take 5 years working at Opel in Germany before moving to Porsche in 1986.His first major project at Porsche was the 993, which led onto the GT1 series of LeMans race cars. In 1988, Tony spent 8days with the race team at LeMans, where they managed to pull off a double victory. Tony was involved with most of the GT cars up until the production of the Carrera GT. After that he became the Design Manager Sport Cars. He retired after 6 years in his role as Director of Design Quality.


Porsche Parade 2024-Tech Tactics Seminars

Mike Kukavic - Collison Training Instructor - Porsche Cars North America

Mike has spent his career in the collision repair industry, focused on returning damaged vehicles to manufacturer specifications. His career started in the workshop, and after ten years honing his skills, he moved into the technical training field, helping other technicians improve their skills and learn new concepts. For the last fifteen years he has worked at PCNA, training technicians, motorsports teams and insurance companies. In addition, he manages the Porsche Approved Collision Center Program, which seeks to improve both the quality and experience that Porsche customers receive when in need of repairs to their vehicle.
 

Porsche Parade 2024-Tech Tactics Seminars

Pedro Bonilla - PCA Technical Committee, Boxster and Cayman Expert - Pedro's Garage

Porsche Parade 2024-Tech Tactics Seminars

Nathan Merz - PCA Technical Committee, Appraisal, and Valuations Chair - Columbia Valley Luxury Cars

Nathan Merz is a devoted Porsche enthusiast, immersing himself in the quest to understand every model in detail. As the proprietor of Columbia Valley Luxury Cars in Redmond, Washington, he handles the purchase and sale of over 100 unique Porsches each year. His collection encompasses a wide range of models and generations, focusing specifically on pristine, original #1-condition examples.

Nathan's expertise is in valuation and authentication, and his insights can be found on YouTube, various social media sites, Porsche Panorama, Avants, and Spiel magazines. He frequently joins industry panels, auction discussions, and PCA Tech Tactics as a guest speaker. His personal passions include his four children, one grandson, ultra-running, and fitness.

Tech Tactics Seminar Schedule 
 

9:00 AM Grant Larson Design Development of the 997
10:00 AM Grant Larson and Tony Hatter Porsche Motorsports and the Design Studio
11:00 AM Tony Hatter A Career of Design at Porsche
12:00 PM   Break
1:00 PM Porsche Cars North America Macan EV walkaround
2:00 PM Mike Kukavica Porsche Advanced Lightweight Body Construction – What Does It Mean for You?
3:00 PM Nathan Merz State of the Porsche Market
4:00 PM Pedro Bonilla Don’t freak out!… there’s a fix for that”.

 

Additional information to be announced!