As chief engineer for the all-new Ford Edge, Elaine Bannon is committed to building a vehicle that will stir emotion. She is leading the vehicle team with the hottest new entry into the red-hot crossover market, working to ensure the right combination of great looks and outstanding performance.
Join Elaine right here for a live chat on February 10 at 12:15 p.m. EST.
“There are a lot of great vehicles out there, but only a select few can make you feel confident, powerful and sexier,” says Elaine. “Edge becomes an extension of your personality. It delivers on all counts, from its bold design, to its balanced ride, fun-to-drive character and confident handling.”
Elaine, who joined Ford Motor Company in 1984, brings a wealth of engineering and management expertise to the Edge program. Her influence is evident in the superb craftsmanship of the Edge’s interior and exterior. As principle lead for Global Craftsmanship, Elaine helped elevate the company to a new level of quality in fit and finish. The Global Craftsmanship team was instrumental in the development of the critically acclaimed 2004 Ford F-150. Before taking on her current assignment, Elaine was chief engineer for Ford commercial trucks, helping integrate the expansive medium and heavy truck lineup into one cohesive business unit.
The Detroit-area native holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Michigan. Elaine says raising her young son and writing poetry helps her see issues from many perspectives. Elaine, who enjoys working the pit crew during her husband’s motorcycle road races, takes on each challenge with the belief that there is no finish line.
“Spending time with my husband on race weekends makes me appreciate the effort it takes to get to the top of your game – no matter what the area,” says Elaine. “Commitment to a skill and the enhancement of that skill takes tenacity, passion and positive energy – whether you’re confronted with greatness or adversity.”
We make it easy for you to share this story with your friends; simply click on the “share this” method of your choice just below or at the top right corner of this page. You can also click here to sign up for updates from Ford Motor Company, and click here to add an RSS feed to your regular homepage.












13 Comments
February 4, 2010 at 2:58 pm
Especially the new 2.0L EcoBoost.
Great that Ford is connecting with us with so many of the Ford Team, keep it up!!
February 5, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Maybe the Fusion isn't your baliwick. but, I recently had a chance to ride in one, and did enjoin a good. Just one problem. I'm over 60 y/o, so getting in and out of it wasn't very easy, and I dare say there's a lot of us in that 60+ age group. So, one recent day, I had a minor epiphany. Have you seen the street rods of L.A. and other places that are jacked-up and down on shocks or whatever they do for those wild rides. Now is that something that could be safely done for those low rides with good gas miles. You are probably rolling in the aisles with laughter, and admittedly I send this message half kiddingly and half serious.
Thanks for your time and best wishes for Ford. Yes, I have stock and that's good too.
February 8, 2010 at 11:24 am
Really looking forward to your chat. As a current Acura driver, i'm very much excited at the prospect of "crossing over" to a Ford Edge. I'm hoping that you look into "active park assist" for this next update, like what is in the MKS, Escape, etc. I know I would rather not scuff up my 20" wheels if at all possible.
February 10, 2010 at 12:52 pm
June 27, 2010 at 11:06 pm
February 12, 2010 at 11:19 am
February 13, 2010 at 12:13 am
When is this thing going to wear out so I can buy a new Ford?
July 25, 2010 at 8:27 am
February 16, 2010 at 9:14 am
February 16, 2010 at 12:27 pm
February 21, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Keep up the good work!!!!
February 22, 2010 at 8:36 am
April 4, 2010 at 7:35 am
Add Your Comment