Ford Motor Co. has hired a new executive to lead its vehicle development — an executive who spent years with General Motors. The Dearborn-based automaker said on Nov. 10 that Marissa West will join the company as vice president of vehicle programs, effective Nov. 16. That means West will lead vehicle program and program operations teams across Ford's portfolio. She will support vehicle development and integration, program execution and global product programs, the automaker said in a statement. The role is critical as the automaker looks to refresh three-fourths of its global vehicle portfolio by volume by 2029, including launching a new electric vehicle midsize pickup, Fathom, as well as a new midsize pickup for the global market which Ford has not provided details or a name for it yet. Also, CEO Jim Farley has promised there will be no more "boring" cars out of Ford. As the Detroit Free Press reported earlier this year, Ford's new vehicle plans could include bringing a few all-new vehicles and several redesigned vehicles to market in its Ford lineup and its luxury brand, Lincoln — and the automaker has told dealers it is committed to hybrid powertrains as hybrid sales have taken off due to high gasoline prices. Some of those possible vehicles could include a four-door Mustang to be priced less than $40,000, a Ford small SUV (to replace the Ford Escape) priced at about $25,000, a Lincoln all-new SUV based on the Bronco design, priced at about $70,000 or slightly more and, of course, the new family of EVs from Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle platform that will follow the launch of the Fathom at the end of next year. But Ford said hiring West to oversee vehicle development strengthens the company's leadership and delivery of its next generation of vehicles. "Marissa brings deep experience leading vehicle programs, integrating complex products and delivering successful launches," said Sam Basile, Ford vice president of Advanced Product Development, Cycle Planning & Programs. "Her leadership and product-development background will be valuable as we work across teams to bring great vehicles and experiences to customers." On her LinkedIn page, West said she is excited to be joining Ford and going back to her "production roots, my true passion." "I'm deeply energized by what lies ahead," West wrote on LinkedIn. "I look forward to learning from exceptional people, contributing with purpose, and helping shape the next generation of vehicles and experiences at Ford Motor Company!" In a statement, West called it an "honor" to join Ford, calling it a "company with a proud legacy and an exciting future. I'm eager to get close to the product, collaborate with talented teams around the world and help deliver vehicles and experiences that matter to customers." In her most recent role, West was executive vice president and chairperson for OP Mobility's North American operations. OP Mobility is a French-based auto supplier that makes such things as bumpers, front lighting and tailgates. But if her name and face seem familiar, they should. She spent 21 years at General Motors starting off as an engineer and progressing through several leadership positions in vehicle sales, service and marketing, as well as product development. West was president of GM Canada from 2022 to 2024 before being moved to senior vice president and president for North America where she remained until she left GM later that year in 2024. Ford's release said West was chosen because "she brings more than 20 years of automotive and vehicle engineering experience, with much of her career focused on vehicle programs, integration and launches." West earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and a master of science in engineering from the University of Michigan. She also attended Stanford University's Transformational Leadership and Design Thinking Executive Education, according to her LinkedIn page. Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer at USA TODAY Co. who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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Liked by William Scott, Lucas Wilson
Liked by William Scott, Lucas Wilson
