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Stacy94PGT · 11-29-2004, 07:26

NEW SHAPE FOR FORD OF EUROPE DESIGN

The Auto Channel

COLOGNE, Germany – Ford of Europe's Design Group is adding to the strength of its organization in recognition of the increasing complexity and volume of design work that will be demanded by the developing automotive market place.

Martin Smith, Ford of Europe's Executive Director of Design and Design Director Chris Bird are realigning the dedicated styling Group to integrate more fully and efficiently the company's interior and exterior design functions. The integration covers Ford's two European Design Centres, Dunton in the UK, and Merkenich in Germany.

"There are two key opportunities that need to be seized by Ford of Europe Design, " said Martin Smith who joined Ford of Europe in August 2004. "There is the creative one of evolving a more emotive design language for the Ford brand that will distinguish it in the future market place by offering outstanding designs for our customers.

"Then there are the opportunities to develop the optimum design solutions for changing legislative and safety requirements, particularly in the area of pedestrian protection." He added.

Chris Bird will lead a renewed emphasis on integration and operational control within the European Design Group, and will play a key role in the shaping of Fords future European Design DNA.

"For the future, we must ensure Ford of Europe has a Design Group that gives full rein to its creative resources while ensuring they are channeled towards precisely targeted goals," said Bird.

Three new design positions

Three new positions are being introduced to strengthen the cross vehicle line approach to design, to build further the integrity of the Ford brand and to enhance the flow of creative ideas across the group. These positions are particularly significant as Ford of Europe evolves its European design language.

Up to now, Chief Designers in Ford of Europe have been assigned by vehicle line, which will continue to be the case. While this will continue, two of the new positions are focused specifically on developing even more creative and coherent designs.

The new positions are Chief Designer, Exteriors and Chief Designer, Interiors. Both roles involve an overall remit for all Ford of Europe vehicle lines, as well as overall direction across the two Ford of Europe Design Centres.

The third position is also cross-carline and focused on the demanding area of exterior execution and design feasibility. It is aimed at ensuring that as designs evolve and mature, they are efficiently integrated with engineering and regulatory requirements as they go through each stage of development leading to volume production.

Chief Designer for Exteriors – Ford Welcomes Lamm

To take on the first of these new positions in the strengthened organization, Ford of Europe is welcoming a new talent to the team, Stefan Lamm, who has been appointed as the Chief Designer for exteriors. He will have the responsibility for shaping the distinctive future of Ford's European vehicle range.

Stefan is a German native, originally from Dortmund and studied Design at the Art Center College of Design. His reputation for creating innovative and refreshing designs will make him a valuable addition to the Ford team in this transitional period. Previously he held the position of Studio Chief Designer at GME Opel design.

Chief Designer for Interiors – Emphasis on interior excellence

The second new position boosts even further the importance of excellent interior design in Ford's future European vehicles. Nikolaus Vidakovic has therefore been appointed as Chief Designer, Interiors. As a counterpart to Stefan Lamm, his position has been strengthened to take on overall responsibility for developing interior design for Ford of Europe across the two design centres at Merkenich in Germany and at Dunton in the UK. Nikolaus is a respected designer whose most recent work included the acclaimed interior of the new Ford Focus.

Chief Designer, Exterior Execution and Feasibility – An Important New Role

The third of the new positions is taken by Claudio Messale as Chief Designer, Exterior Execution and Feasibility. This role oversees the translation of exterior design into production reality across all car lines.

Messale was most recently the Chief Designer for the new Ford Focus, and now adopts a key strategic position in the new Design Group. His new role re cognises the increasing importance of the Design team as Ford of Europe expands its portfolio of body styles and the regulatory environment becomes more demanding, particularly in the area of pedestrian safety.

A Creative Future

"We have made a great deal of progress over the last five years with an intense level of product delivery that has seen the introduction of 45 new products and technologies, including stylish new models like the new Ford Focus and Focus C-MAX," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford of Europe's Vice President of Product Development. "We expect this pace to continue, and our Design Group to lead the charge."

"Martin Smith, Chris Bird and their teams will not only maintain this level of product delivery but also step up to an increasing throughput of coherent and innovative designs," he added.