Chrysler LX Designer Quits To Work For Ford....

[RTMagnum]

Chrysler designer at Ford

Freeman Thomas, head of advanced product design at DaimlerChrysler's Pacifica studio in Carlsbad, Calif., has quit to take a position as director of strategic design for Ford North America, effective June 1.

He will be based in Irvine, Calif.

It won't be the first time Thomas has teamed up with J Mays, Ford's overall design chief. The two worked together at Volkswagen in the 1990s, and both played roles in the design of the VW Concept 1 (which became the New Beetle) and Audi TT roadster concepts.

Some have suggested, in fact, that Mays built his reputation on Thomas's work. Mays later joined Ford and Thomas went to Chrysler.

Thomas reportedly played a major role in developing the concept that became the highly successful LX program: Chrysler 300 and 300C, Dodge Charger and Dodge Magnum.

That may be one of the reasons Ford recruited him. While the LX cars have won critical acclaim and sales, Ford's Five Hundred sedan has received a lacklustre reception in both respects.

[adaptabl]

Well there goes fords styling out the window. If he was there now the Mustang would like like a minivan.

[Rev.Hammer]

What the heck are you? The Anti-Chrylser?

[redinorange]

Got it backwards...

[IDSmoker]

Rev: Why do you think he shows up on a lot of people's "ignore list"? It's a nice little bit of functionality that's certainly helping to improve the signal-to-noise ratio around here.

[Rev.Hammer]

Consider it DonE!

[Blanchman]

Ford has styling ??? Talking about dreams...

[da BoMM]

These guys move around -- the PT Cruiser guy went to GM, right? There's INCEST in DETROIT -- good for the AUTO BIZ...

[E8502]

Yeah, ignore works well, so does negative rep. ;)

[threefortyduster]

What the heck are you? The Anti-Chrylser?
In short, yes he is.

Its quite funny though, considering he owns a Chrysler vehicle (PT Cruiser)

adaptabl is probably the biggest troll for dodge boards that there is, and I really don't know why he is allowed around sites where all he does is bash the subject.

[Diesel]

i guess this is good news to Ford...

but i'm sure they will stiffle him once he arrives...

Ford always takes the "safe" route...

they did a good job with the Mustang, but not much of anything else in their car line...

[beefheart]

What the heck are you? The Anti-Chrylser?

Yes he is. Go to www.lhcars.net and read his posts.

[Rev.Hammer]

errrr NO. I live near enough to a farm to know what bull$#it is without having to wallow in it.

[dantodd]

errrr NO. I live near enough to a farm to know what bull$#it is without having to wallow in it.

Just don't let your gravy train with biscuit wheels roll through any...

Oh wait I think I'm mixing my metaphors across threads again...

[GrN4FrK]

hope he doesnt copy/resemble any of DC's designs

[Taz]

These guys move around -- the PT Cruiser guy went to GM, right? There's INCEST in DETROIT -- good for the AUTO BIZ...

Yeah Bryan Nesbitt who designed the PT went to GM. His latest creation is the HHR. Supposed to be a retro look t the 49 Suburban, but looks alotlike a PT. If the trend continues Fords next 500 redesign will look like a 300....sounds like they are moving in the wrong direction (numbers wise at least!) :blam:

[Rev.Hammer]

It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flatttery, but this is looking more and more like plagerism!

[Rockadile]

While the LX cars have won critical acclaim and sales, Ford's Five Hundred sedan has received a lacklustre reception in both respects.

Could be because the Ford 500 doesn't have ANY style. It looks way too plain.

[Blanchman]

Could be because the Ford 500 doesn't have ANY style. It looks way too plain.

Agreed. Zero style. And I actually like Fords... haha. The interior is bitchin' thou, have a peek, which really surprises me the most, because Ford interiors generally SUCK. Give me a Magnum RT with that style of interior, and I'd be real happy. (yea, I like the Magnum interior OK, but it is sorta plain, esp after coming out of a Mercedes)