Meet Ian Foston, the brains and brawn behind the wheel of some of Ford’s coolest rides—the Ranger, Everest, and the mighty Bronco. Based out of Melbourne, Australia, Ian’s the guy calling the shots on how these beasts are built, making sure they’re tough enough to handle whatever adventure you throw at them. He’s not just any engineer; Ian’s the T6 Chief Platform Engineer and the go-to Chief Nameplate Engineer for these rugged rides.
Before landing at Ford in 2006, Ian kicked off his automotive journey with Jaguar Land Rover. Fast forward through a 29-year career loaded with globetrotting gigs—from revving up the Ford Figo in Asia Pacific to fine-tuning the Fiesta in China—and it’s clear Ian’s not your average engineer. He’s got a knack for bringing top-tier utes and SUVs to life, serving up adventures on four wheels to folks in 180 markets around the globe.
Ian’s not just about the specs and blueprints. Hailing from Nottingham, UK, this gearhead turned his engineering management degree and a master’s in quality management into a life’s mission to craft vehicles that dare to venture where others don’t. And when he’s not sketching out the next big thing in off-roading, Ian’s out there living it—trekking across Australia with his family and soaking up every bit of the great outdoors.
In a recent campfire chat on the Mr 4X4 YouTube channel, Ian spills the beans to Pat on what it’s like to be the mastermind behind the Ranger, Everest, and Bronco platforms. From dune driving to rock crawling, Ian’s designs are all about getting you to those out-of-the-way spots in comfort, style, and safety. It’s a peek behind the curtain at how Ford’s dynamic duo of SUVs and the apex predator of pickups are dreamt up and delivered, driven by Ian’s own love for hitting the road less travelled.
So, buckle up and dive into the story of how Ian Foston makes sure Ford’s line-up stays on the cutting edge of adventure. It’s about more than just cars; it’s about crafting the ultimate experience for thrill-seekers everywhere.
