SCOTT TOBIN: VEHICLE DIRECTOR BRINGS WIDE-RANGING PERSPECTIVE TO 2011 FORD EDGE CROSSOVER
Scott Tobin, Ford’s vehicle line director for cars and crossovers, is grateful to have had the opportunity to work overseas. But the native of Blue Lake, Mich., is glad to be back in his home state.
“Living overseas was a growth experience almost beyond description,” said Tobin. “To be exposed to different cultures was personally enriching. From a business perspective, I was eager to implement the lessons learned from those experiences into our products here in North America.”
Tobin’s globetrotting began in 1997 in Japan, with Mazda in Powertrain Engineering. Next, in 1999, Tobin moved to Germany for Ford of Europe, where he worked on the global C-car programs. In 2001, Tobin was promoted to chief engineer of powertrain applications for Ford of Europe, which was based in England. Then from 2003 to 2006, he was vice president of Quality for Ford of Europe.
A lot of different places and a lot of different responsibilities, but one common theme.
“The formula for success isn’t any different: Make your products world-class,” said Tobin.
Tobin’s background in quality makes him especially proud of the 2011 Ford Edge.
“To me, quality has a couple of facets,” said Tobin. “You need to have basic quality – durability and reliability; this is a ticket of entry. But then there’s overall product appeal – you not only want to be in the vehicle, you want to be seen in the vehicle. It fits your image and has all the connectivity, comfort and convenience features that surprise and delight. The 2011 Edge has that overall appeal – in abundance.”
The crossover segment continues to be one of the hottest, which is no surprise to Tobin.
“Crossovers meet real needs,” said Tobin. “People still need cargo space, passenger room and the ability to tow, but they want it in an engaging, refined and fuel-efficient package. You get that with the 2011 Edge. It has all of that versatility, as well as all the convenience and connectivity features like our new MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, SYNC®, MyKey® and our blind-spot information system.”
Returning to his roots
Tobin is from Blue Lake, Mich., near Muskegon, which is in the western part of the state. He has a cabin there, and Tobin and his wife Mary and two sons Nicholas, 15, and Lucas, 13, visit often.
“It’s a beautiful part of the state,” said Tobin. “We like to go boating, water ski, ride quads. I also try to squeeze in a round of golf from time to time.”
The boys were just 1 and 2 years old when Tobin got his first overseas assignment.
“So, yes, I bring my wife to Japan with two babies, and we didn’t speak a lick of Japanese. Those were the days!” Tobin said. “But it was a lot of fun.”
Personal Insights and Fun Facts
- Tobin has been married to Mary for 15 years. They have two sons, Nicholas, 15, and Lucas, 13. They live in Ann Arbor
- Tobin joined Ford in 1989 and held assignments in Powertrain Engineering, Quality and in the Product Business and Strategy Office before becoming vehicle line director for cars and crossovers in 2006
- The Tobin family has both an Edge and a Flex. He’d like to add a 1969 Mustang Boss, one of the most sought-after muscle cars ever. “That car just makes your heart pump a little faster. Fast and beautiful,” he says
- Tobin is a member of the board of directors of AutoAlliance International, where the Mustang is built
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 159,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
Aug. 16, 2010