The next-generation Focus is setting a new standard, and its development under the One Ford strategy sets it apart from any vehicle before it. With this unprecedented effort, engineering a multicultural vehicle required passionate leadership and vision.

Jim Hughes is the chief engineer for the next-generation Focus and embraced the task of creating a vehicle that could be sold in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. While the challenges may not seem obvious, the global scale had never been done before and Jim as integral to ensuring it was a success without a blueprint. “It’s really been an amazing experience for the worldwide team to come together,” Jim said.

You can join Jim here on Thursday, February 24, 2011, to ask him questions about developing and launching the Ford Focus as a truly global car.

Jim has been with Ford for 19 years and more recently worked as the assistant chief nameplate engineer on the Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT vehicle lines and subsequently as marketing and planning manager for all full-size trucks. In addition, Jim has served in a variety of other roles, including chassis engineering, powertrain planning, program management and vehicle engineering.

A Michigan native, Jim received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University and his MBA from the University of Michigan. While he enjoys the analytical challenges of the engineering process, Jim is a lifelong “car guy” and owns a 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Focus. In time, he’d like to add an F-350 Super Duty® Power Stroke® truck to his garage.

You can get an insider’s perspective on the global nature of the car in a two-part series here on theFordStory.com. The Making of a Global Vehicle focused on the design of the new Focus, while The Making of a Global Vehicle Part II looked at the engineering and manufacturing.

Click here to visit the Ford Focus Facebook page and become a Fan. This is where you will find the latest news and conversation about the all-new Ford Focus.