Tesla hires Apple exec, ex-Ford engineer as new-vehicle VP

Tesla Motors said it hired an Apple Inc. executive and former Ford engineer to lead development of new vehicles.

Doug Field, vice president of Mac hardware engineering at Apple, will be "responsible for driving development of new vehicles" as Tesla's vice president of vehicle programs.

Field was in charge of development of several Apple products, including the latest MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and iMac, Tesla said in a statement today.

Field started his career as a Ford engineer.

"Until Tesla came along, I had never seriously considered leaving Apple," Field said in a statement. "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."

Tesla CEO Elon Musk touted the importance of Field's experience in consumer electronics and automobiles.

"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," Musk said in a statement.

"Tesla's future depends on engineers who can create the most innovative, technologically advanced vehicles in the world. Doug's experience in both consumer electronics and traditional automotive makes him an important addition to our leadership team," he said.