AFF Technical Resources - New Design Director for Ford

Ford Australia has welcomed back former chief designer Scott Strong as the new Design Director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa.

Strong, 54, was the chief designer for Ford Australia from 1999 to 2001, overseeing the award-winning BA Falcon and the initial work on Territory.

In 2001 he assumed the role of Family Vehicle Cluster Director in Dearborn, supervising the final development stages of the Freestyle and Ford 500, and initiating the design theme development of the new Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

Late in 2002, Strong was appointed Director of Advanced Product Creation, before moving on to be Director of Design for SUVs and people movers, in addition to heading up design on Ford's SVT products.

Prior to joining Ford Australia in 1999, Strong was lead designer of the Ford Ka, Ford's radical small car design trend setter launched in 1996. He was also design manager for the hatch models of the original Ford Focus, acclaimed as 1998 European Car of the Year.

In 1995, he transferred from Ford's Cologne Design Studio to the Dearborn Design Centre Advanced Studio.

Born in Ogden, Utah, USA, Scott graduated as a Bachelor in Art and Design from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He then graduated as a Bachelor of Science with a transportation major from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California and worked as an industrial designer in the film and aerospace industries.

After moving to Europe in the mid-eighties, Scott joined Ford of Europe to work in the Cologne Design Studio. There his projects included 1986-89 Escort 2000, 1991 Fiesta Classic, the original Mondeo and the stunning Puma coupe.

Among his most valued career accomplishments, Strong lists his contribution to re-energising Ford Australia with the award-winning BA Falcon and Ford Territory, his role in delivering the 2006 SVT Mustang GT500, the Shelby Cobra Roadster that won 'Best of Show' at the 2004 Detroit Motor Show, the original Ford Focus and the celebrated Ka.

As Design Director for Ford Asia Pacific and Africa Strong will have responsibility for the programs based out of Australia as well as overall responsibility for CAF Design in China, FAP design in the Hiroshima studio and a leadership role in the Shanghai auto shows.

Scott's interests include sailing, skiing and motor-sport, especially touring cars and Formula One. He has raced motorcycles and currently dabbles in karting.

He is married to Anna and they have three children.

He replaces Simon Butterworth, who recently took up a senior design role for PAG in the UK.