Currently reading: Ford announces Amko Leenarts as European design director

Car maker's interior design boss steps up to replace Joel Piaskowski

Ford has appointed Amko Leenarts as its new European design director, replacing Joel Piaskowski

Leenarts moves into the role after almost four years at the helm of Ford’s interior design team. He has previously worked for the PSA Group, where he led Peugeot’s interior design department.

Leenarts will take charge of a 275-strong team, split between Ford’s Dunton technical centre in Essex and the brand’s design studios in Merkenich, Germany. He will report to Ford’s vice president of design, Moray Callum. 

Callum said: “As Ford shapes the future of transportation, design will be the crucial differentiator. Amko will help us define new products that innovate while harnessing our global design talent to deliver truly world-class products.”

The design of the next-generation Ford Focus, due to arrive next year, is already finalised so Leenarts’ first major challenge is likely to be the next-generation Ford Mondeo, scheduled for about three years’ time.

Piaskowski has moved up to the position of director of global design. He led the design team behind the new Ford Fiesta and was responsible for the look of Ford’s upmarket Vignale models. 

Before Ford, Piaskowski worked at MercedesHyundai and General Motors, where he designed interiors and exteriors across the car giant’s various brands.

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smokescreen38 21 July 2017

Ford design.

Hopefully a true end to the Aston Martin grille. But I'm not holding my breath. I used to be a Ford enthusiast. But their designs of a late have been, well crap. There's only the Ranger, the Edge, & the Transit swb. Thats made me think wow. Everything else is a bit Meh! Sorry probably just me.
xxxx 21 July 2017

Last one I promise

In a interview from CarDesigner in late 2016 : “I adore how cars reflect our culture and play a unique role in society,” says Leenarts. “I’m not a petrolhead, though. I don’t fancy classic automobiles or racing. That’s probably why I’m an interior designer.”

Great more Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen than Petrolhead then

xxxx 21 July 2017

Is this really the company that gave us the Escort RS1600 Mk1

WORLD beaters?:- Ka+, new Fiesta, Focus, EcoSport, Kuga.