Innovation in the Making, Working Among the Great: Part 2 of Mexican Engineering Around the World

Sep 26, 2024
<2 MIN READ

In the first part of this series, we highlighted the work of figures such as Gabriela Betancourt, who, thanks to her experience and knowledge, has innovated in virtual analysis and simulation, Roberto Villegas, who has revolutionized braking systems with his patents on electronic brake pedals, and Moisés Hernández, whose leadership in interior design has been crucial to the success of models such as the Ford Maverick. Join us to meet more brilliant minds who continue to raise the profile of Mexican Engineering at Ford.

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Jesús Alejo

Jesús began his career at Ford, during which he has contributed his experience and learning to the seating area, 15 years ago.  His technical background and education in Industrial Engineering with a specialty in Mechanical Engineering, as well as his technical certifications in vehicle repair and manufacturing processes, have led him to oversee a team that is responsible for the application of full seats in Ford vehicles.

Jesús' team is involved in designing and manufacturing complete seat assemblies for various Ford vehicle models. A single high-end front-row seat can have an average of 60 sub-assemblies, not counting its components.

Its function is to ensure that the seats fully comply with both internal design requirements and those required to cover the legal regulations that allow the sale of a vehicle to the public. Its objectives are focused on providing occupant protection, design, comfort, durability, dynamic performance and noise isolation, among the most important.

Jesús and his team have implemented technological innovations in the development of the seats, such as reconfigurable cabins, with the help of electronics and software. These innovations have improved the performance and quality of the final product.

Jesús' work is not limited to Mexico. He and his team have worked with all Ford regions, including the United States, Europe, Brazil, China, Australia and India. That's because the seats he and his team design and produce are used in Ford vehicles around the world.

Jesús has been noted for his involvement in the seat design process on iconic cars such as Mustang, Fusion, Navigator, and many others for more than a decade. For him, this experience reflects the potential and talent that exists at Ford's engineering center in Mexico.

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Elías Ruíz

Elías is a talented Electrical Engineer who has dedicated much of his career to Ford, where he has worked for more than 14 years. His career within Ford has been remarkable, starting in 2010 as an engineer in the area of development of security systems for automobiles, specifically in alarms and anti-theft systems.

One of his first great achievements was the development of a vehicle tracking and locking system, allowing users to lock their vehicle in case of theft.

Throughout his career, Elías has stood out for his constant innovation and dedication to the development of new technologies. He has worked primarily in the area of electronic modules and has held roles ranging from engineer to systems engineering supervisor.

One of his most outstanding achievements is the obtaining of six patents, one of which has been successfully implemented. This patent focuses on a new algorithm for trailer detection in Ford vehicles, a solution that has significantly reduced warranties and improved the customer experience. This innovative system was first implemented in 2021, and is now present in all Ford vehicles that incorporate a towing system, including models such as Ford Super Duty, Ford Expedition, Ford Bronco Sport, Ford Escape and some other models in Europe.

The implementation in European models highlights the versatility of the algorithm and its ability to adapt to the specific needs of different global markets.

Elías has also been a pioneer in fostering a culture of innovation within his team, which has led his group to win several innovation awards within Ford. Currently, it continues to apply its innovative approach in the area of thermal systems, demonstrating its versatility and commitment to the company's technological advancement.

Elías' story is an inspiring example of how dedication, innovation and teamwork can lead to success and global recognition within Ford Motor Company and its leadership in the automotive industry.

We invite you to continue reading about the work of Mexican engineers around the world, wait for the last part of this series.