Ford announces new Lincoln Design Studio

Ford has announced that it will launch a new design studio for its luxury brand Lincoln. The facility will be headed by new design director Max Wolff.

In an effort of reviving its premium brand, which includes a 1.2 billion investment in new models for the next 3 years, Ford will start a dedicated design studio, which be led by Max Wolff, appointed Design Director for Lincoln in December 2010.

Sometimes criticized for not being enough differentiated from the Ford models, the brand could gain a new, more distinctive identity similarly to Cadillac, GM’s premium brand, that found its own design direction in the form of the “Art and Science” language, introduced in 1999.

The first new Lincoln concept is expected to be the new MKZ, planned for debut at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show.

by CBD

Mercedes-Benz opens new advanced design studio in China

Mercedes-Benz has announced the opening of a new 1,000 square meters design studio in China, which joins the existing facilities in Germany, US, Italy and Japan.

Chairman and chief executive for Daimler Northeast Asia Ulrich Walker commented: “Design influences from this region will become more important in the cars of tomorrow.”

With the new Chinese studio Mercedes-Benz aims at further expanding its share in the Chinese market. In the first half of 2011 sales have increased by 59% compared to 2010.

Annual sales in China are expected to rise more than 20 percent this year, Walker said, and to exceed 300,000 units by 2015, when it is expected to be Mercedes-Benz’ largest market globally.

(Source: Reuters)

by carbodydesign.com

Ford expands its Cologne Design Center

Ford has started a €11.6 million expansion of its Cologne-based Design Center. It will be completed within the year and will include a redesign of the existing studios and a new 3,000 square meters facility.

On last 5 April Ford has started the works on the expansion of its European Design Center in Cologne-Merkenich – Germany.

The new 2-floors, 3,000 square meters extension will provide space for 100 new workplaces and will be equipped with a new “powerwall” capable of projecting vehicle and concept designs in a three-dimensional and virtual environment.

The project also includes a redesign of the existing design studios and the installation of new milling machines that create clay models based on CAD data.

The building project is the largest single expansion of the Design Centre since since it was first constructed in 1968. The main contractor for the current expansion is Wolff & Müller, Spezialbau GmbH & Co. KG, Köln. The planning of the new building is led by Ingenieurbüro WPW, Saarbrücken.

Today, the Design Center covers a total of 13,000 square meters, and includes an aerodynamic wind tunnel built in 1984.

The Design Centre provides space for a total of 250 employees from 14 nations.

In addition, a team of about 70 designers, responsible for Ford of Europe’s commercial vehicle design, is located at Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, UK, the centre of excellence for commercial vehicle development and Ford Powertrain.

Among the models designed and engineered in Cologne are the new Ford Fiesta and Focus.

“Outstanding design is what sets our brand apart and what excites our customers,” commented Martin Smith, Executive Director, Design, Ford of Europe.

“With the development of Ford kinetic design in 2005, we introduced a new design language which has given our models a distinctive and, above all, dynamic look.
“The expertise of our design team in Cologne-Merkenich is helping kinetic design to become increasingly important for Ford on a global basis.
“For the design team, the new building will be a great place to work and will provide a highly-motivational environment.”

images and text: carbodydesign