LIVONIA, Mich. — Rob Stevens, who has nearly four decades of experience with Ford Motor Co., has been named the new vice president of strategy at ROUSH CleanTech.

In the role, Stevens will spearhead future product and customer strategy at ROUSH CleanTech, which supplies propane autogas fuel system technology for Blue Bird and Micro Bird school buses, among other vehicles.

ROUSH CleanTech officials said that Stevens brings expertise in engineering, product and business development, alternative-fuel vehicles, and fleet operations.

“I’ve spent years collaborating with customers to find the right vehicle for the right application," Stevens said. "In the alternative-fuels space, ROUSH CleanTech offers an ideal scenario of product, customer and brand integrity. I plan to use my 37 years of engineering and fleet customer knowledge to bring about a greater change in clean vehicle usage.”

As Ford’s chief engineer, Stevens directed strategic planning and product development for Ford commercial vehicles, including the new Transit Connect, E-Series vans, medium duty and Super Duty trucks, and commercial stripped chassis.

Stevens also served as president and chief operating officer of Ford’s TH!NK Mobility LLC. He reportedly influenced government leaders to modify zero emission vehicle requirements to obtainable levels, and he launched three alternative-fuel vehicle product lines. Later, he initiated the reintroduction of alternative fuels in Ford commercial trucks, developing Ford’s qualified vehicle modifier (QVM) program for gaseous prep engines.

ROUSH CleanTech is Ford’s only QVM for propane autogas fuel systems.

“ROUSH CleanTech has experienced exceptional growth since its inception in 2010,” company President Joe Thompson said. “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. Adding a guy like Rob Stevens further complements the integrity of our growth plans.”