JOSEPH RORK: ARCHITECT FOR FORD IT RESEARCH AND STRATEGY TEAM

Joseph Rork, IT architect, In-Vehicle IT Research and Strategy team

Joseph Rork is an IT architect with Ford's In-Vehicle IT Research and Strategy team. He is responsible for exploring opportunities for integrating emerging advanced computing technologies into future Ford products.

"My love of computers came first, and then came a fascination with how to make them interact with cars," says Rork, who helped develop the in-car technologies seen in the 2009 Ford Transit Connect Family One concept, and most recently the 2011 Ford Fiesta featured in the American Journey 2.0 road trip to the 2010 Maker Faire in California. "My unconventional path has taken me from programming to telecommunications to wireless networking to mobility, which then led me to the ultimate mobile device – the vehicle."

A southeastern Michigan native, Rork studied computer science, management and psychology at the University of Michigan, Dearborn.

Personal Insights and Fun Facts

• As a child, Joseph dreamt about owning the monster truck BIGFOOT
• Joseph has been invited to speak at several universities and professional conferences on advanced wireless networking technologies and telecommunications
• A proud father of two, Joseph treasures the idea of a Ford Mustang GT in his garage, but first would love to see his garage floor again, which is blanketed with toys

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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 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com .

May 12, 2010