Former Apple VP To Aid Vehicle Development At Tesla

by Cameron Aubernon

Updated: August 18th, 2015 Published: October 25th, 2013

former apple vp to aid vehicle development at tesla

It seems as of late that Tesla is becoming to cars what Apple already is to computing, smartphones, digital music players and tablets. Thus, it should be as no surprise that the automaker has brought aboard former Apple vice president of Mac hardware engineering Doug Field to help them develop “insanely great” new vehicles.

“Doug has demonstrated the leadership and technical talent to develop and deliver outstanding products, including what are widely considered the best computers in the world,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a press release. Musk went further to state that the future of the automaker is dependent upon engineering talents — such as the kind Field would bring to the table — that can help bring “the most innovative, technologically advanced vehicles in the world” to the masses, especially the kind that will be sold for $35,000 at the nearest Tesla boutique in the near future.

Field’s latest foray in the tech world marks a return to the automotive industry: His career began with Ford as an engineer, then a turn as CTO for Segway before segueing to One Infinite Loop in 2008. From there, Field led development on the MacBook Air and Pro, and the iMac.

“Until Tesla came along, I had never seriously considered leaving Apple,” said Field in the same press release. “I started my career with the goal of creating incredible cars, but ultimately left the auto industry in search of fast-paced, exciting engineering challenges elsewhere. As the first high tech auto company in modern history, Tesla is at last an opportunity for me and many others to pursue the dream of building the best cars in the world-while being part of one of the most innovative companies in Silicon Valley.”

Photo credit: Jack Snell/ Flickr/ CC BY-ND 2.0

#Acquisitions #Apple #DougField #ElonMusk #Ford #Segway #TeslaMotors

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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Ruggles on Oct 27, 2013

RE: "If Tesla wants them back they will get them back. And with EV it is financially smart to get them back." NO. Tesla WON'T get them back if they want them back but WILL if they don't. That's how these guaranteed value programs work. And no one will know how smart it is until the time comes.

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Ruggles on Oct 29, 2013

RE: "Sorry, Keller! The world of conferences, 1980s stock analysts, private jets and consulting that you tout is not the car business, and only tangentially related to vehicles and product." 1980's stock analysts? Keller, Rattner, and Banks are still alive and well. Keller isn't as accessible as she once was. Doesn't mean she isn't as knowledgeable as ever or as sought after by top industry execs. Wonder who keynoted the last NYC NADA/JD Power event? Rattner and Banks are also still alive and well. 1980's? It was you who attempted to dismiss DT as a JD Byryder wannabee AFTER getting everything else wrong. You accused Keller of doing wrong by DTAG. You didn't even know the Hertz deal happened at better numbers for DTAG and she out of there over a year ago. In fact, you thought Keller was still on the DTAG BOD. If you're what passes for a knowledgeable car guy with credentials to be taken seriously about industry issues, we're all in trouble. Case closed.

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