Ford Names Peter Horbury North American Design Chief

DETROIT December 4, 2003; Sharon Silke Carty writing for Dow Jones reported that even though he confesses he's never driven a pickup truck, Peter Horbury has been named Ford Motor Co.'s executive director of design for North America.

The British designer has been responsible for the company's Premiere Automotive Group, which includes Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo, and lists popular designs such as the Volvo XC90 on his resume.

"Without sounding like I'm trying to slather on the compliments, he is one of the top two or three designers in the auto industry," J Mays, Ford's group vice president of design, told Dow Jones Newswires. "I am very positive as I sit here that this puts us in the position to have the strongest design team in the U.S."

Ford has embarked on what the company terms a "product-led revitalization," meaning officials hope new designs and offerings will help pull the second- largest auto maker out of the financial doldrums. The company reported a net loss of $25 million for the third quarter, but said it expects to return to profitability in the fourth quarter.

Horbury said one of his first priorities when he gets started in his new position is to "really learn the country, and make sure I'm fully aware of the differences in this market compared to the one I've just been with." That may mean, he admits, getting his hand on an F-150. Trucks account for more than 60% of Ford's sales.

Horbury has led the Premier Automotive Group since 2002. Before that, he was director of design for Volvo Car Corp. for 11 years, overseeing studios in Sweden, Spain and California. In his new post, he will report to Mays. He starts Jan. 1.

Mays credited Horbury for leading a turnaround at Volvo, tweaking the company's reputation as a leader in safety to become stylish as well.

"He made a substantial contribution to the Volvo brand," Mays said.

The company said Horbury will not be replaced. But Mays said an announcement concerning Jerry McGovern, the company's designer for the Lincoln brand, will be made within the next two weeks.

-By Sharon Silke Carty