The New Ford Whiz Kids.(Column)

Byline: Dutch Mandel

There is no better group of automotive designers, top to bottom, than those at Ford. Do you know where the credit lies for that sea of talent? Dr. J Mays.

Now don't jump and say Ford's designs are bland and derivative. They aren't. Don't say they are rewarming yesterday's stew with Thunderbird, Mustang and the like. That is lemming speak, and it is what the unenlightened chant. Do say with J's oversight Ford designs have been safe and conservative, like the company they represent. Do say they have also been expressive and flamboyant, like the GT and 429 concept car.

(Try to use the Five Hundred as an example of Ford bland. It still sells: more than 75,000 this year; Chrysler's 300C, an extra year under its sales belt, is at 94,000. Not bad for either.)

Recently Dr. J has been quiet. That's partly planned, and partly because he is tucked in London. There he oversees not just Ford of Europe... but Ford, The World. He has received two promotions in the last three years, including the lofty, arty title of Chief Creative Officer. That's what you get when you hire a design A-Team, free to tackle geographic or brand-centric problems.

If you don't believe J's efforts are exemplary, just look at Ford's stable of stars, any number of whom would make a creditable head of design at almost any car company:

In Europe, Martin Smith is a talent so rich he oversaw General Motors design there, creating some of the most exciting stuff to come out of Opel and Vauxhall. Smith and Mays are longtime friends; the reunion has already reaped benefits for Ford.