Profile: Peter Horbury
Peter Horbury is intent on transmitting America’s bold spirit to sheet metal that captures the same passion and sense of optimism.
Horbury is responsible for overseeing the design strategy and execution of all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products in North America. Specifically, he directs each design team as it evolves exterior designs on the expanding lineup of cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers – as well as taking the brands’ strong interiors to the next level.
Prior to assuming his current role in January 2004, Horbury had been the Premier Automotive Group’s (PAG) executive director of Design, leading future product design strategy and design processes for Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo. In that role, Horbury helped develop vehicles for individual PAG brands, create cross-brand design philosophies and processes and coordinate auto show design strategies and brand merchandising.
Horbury has more than two decades of expertise with luxury vehicles. From 1991 to 2002, he was design director of Volvo Car Corporation, overseeing studios in Sweden, Spain and California. He was instrumental in creating and implementing the stylish new design language in the current range of Volvo products – including the all-new XC90 SUV and award-winning Volvo Safety Concept Car.
Prior to joining Volvo, Horbury worked as director of styling and design at MGA Developments Ltd. in the United Kingdom. In his early career, he worked on key Ford product programs in Europe, such as the Sierra, Escort and Granada, as well as Chrysler vehicles. “Ultimately, the strongest design identities come from – and reflect – the culture of their origin,” says Horbury.
Born in Alnwick, Northumberland, UK, Horbury received his master’s degree in Automotive Design from the Royal College of Art in 1974 and an undergraduate degree from Newcastle-upon-Tyne College of Art and Industrial Design in 1972. He was named Autocar’s Designer of the Year in 1998. During his 30-year career, he has been involved in the design of more than 45 cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles.