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Automanager Field: Responsible for advanced technology development at Ford
Photo: Ford
With Doug Field, Ford was able to guide one of the executives of Apple's automobile project to them.
As the second largest US automaker announced, Field should take care of the development of advanced technologies such as connected and self-driving cars.
The top manager is an experienced industry professional, he had also worked for the electric car manufacturer Tesla for a number of years until 2018, including as a senior engineer and head of production.
He had previously worked for Apple.
When Apple brought Field back from Tesla in 2018, it was seen as a sign that the tech company hadn't given up on its iCar plans.
Field reorganized what Apple called the "Titan" project and replaced dozens of engineers.
Field also followed the German drive specialist and ex-Tesla manager Michael Schwekutsch to Apple.
Investors are now apparently positive about the move from Field to Ford: The shares initially reacted to the obligation with price gains.
The US auto company is trying to catch up on its backlog in e-mobility and robotic cars.
The German car groups VW, BMW and Daimler are also working flat out not to lose touch here.
Changes in top managers are frequent in the race between car and tech companies for future technologies.
At the beginning of the year, for example, Apple recruited engineer Manfred Harrer from Porsche.
fdi / dpa