Anne Stevens to quit Ford

As Ford Motor Co. embarks on a historic revival plan, which the Board of Directors will continue to review today in Dearborn, it will do so without Anne Stevens — one of the architects of the initial Way Forward restructuring and the highest-ranking woman in the automotive industry.

Stevens, a seasoned executive with experience in engineering, manufacturing and management, was promoted to chief operating officer of Ford's ailing Americas division last October, and her resignation could come as soon as today, according to people familiar with the matter. She has worked at Ford since 1990.Stevens' plan to leave the company is one of several crucial pieces in play as the revised rescue mission gets under way for the 103-year-old automaker. Ford posted a $1.4-billion loss in the first half of this year, and sales of its new vehicles are still falling. More at Detroit Free Press

[Editor's Note: Stevens attended many Champ Car races and even went on a 2-seat Champ Car ride at speed on at least one occasion.]