ROUSH CleanTech has hired Rob Stevens, Ford's chief engineer, as the vice president of strategy for the propane autogas modification specialist.

Stevens arrives at Livonia, Mich.,-based ROUSH CleanTech after a 37-year career with Ford during which he directed strategic planning and product development for Ford commercial vehicles, including the Transit Connect compact van, E-Series vans, Super-Duty pickups, medium-duty trucks, and commercial stripped chassis.

ROUSH CleanTech credited Stevens with influencing government leaders to modify zero-emission vehicle requirements to obtainable levels, launching three alternative fuel vehicle product lines, and later developing Ford's qualified vehicle modifier (QVM) program.

"Our investment strategy will continue to accelerate our market share by adding the vision that comes from the type of engineering and customer experience that Rob has," said Joe Thompson, president of ROUSH CleanTech. "Adding a guy like Rob Stevens further complements the integrity of our growth plans."

Stevens will continue his role as a board member for NTEA's Green Truck Association, and will moderate an alternative fuels session at the NTEA Green Truck Summit on March 4.