Mike Donoughe, a former Chrysler vice-president of product development, has moved to Tesla Motors to spearhead their future electric vehicles.
Donoughe, 49, previously led body-on-frame truck programs (including the Dodge Ram), in addition to implementing Stow ‘n Go seating on Chrysler’s 2005 minivans. Prior to his resignation from Chrysler LLC in July, he was in charge of ‘Project D,’ an effort to refresh the midsize Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans.
Tesla hopes Donoughe’s experience with suppliers and vehicle assembly will help with its efforts to forge its own manufacturing complex. The company recently announced plans to build its forthcoming Model S sedan in California, along with an additional low-cost electric vehicle. Tesla also hopes to incorporate Roadster production, currently performed in part by Lotus in Hethel, England, in the same facility.
Donoughe may be the first of many veterans of the auto industry making their way to Tesla. Elon Musk, chairman of Tesla Motors, hinted several similar figures may be joining the company in the near future.