Pat Schiavone, Ford North American Truck & SUV Design Director
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Examples of Pat Schiavone’s design work can be seen on streets and highways all across America.
“I’ve been designing Ford cars and trucks for 21 glorious years,” reflected Schiavone, North American Truck & SUV design director. “Leading the advanced studio team, where ideas transform into concepts, was particularly rewarding. That’s where the real excitement happens.”
Schiavone is credited with the design of the reinvigorated, and enduring, 1994 Mustang. He also created the look of the last three generations of the best-selling F-150 pickups. With all of these designs in Schiavone’s portfolio, what project represents his proudest professional achievement?
“The F-150 being named Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year in both 2004 and 2009,” he answered, with a broad grin.
Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Schiavone attended Detroit’s College for Creative Studies (CCS). He remains heavily involved with his alma mater, mentoring and guiding CCS transportation design students, the automotive designers of tomorrow.
“Drawing and designing represent the passion in my life,” said Schiavone. “I started drawing cars when I was about 3 years old. The die was cast for me very early.”
Like many designers in the automotive industry, he is an enthusiastic “car guy” with appreciation for all kinds of classic vehicle styles.
Having recently sold a vintage Ford Thunderbird convertible, Schiavone has a hole to fill in his garage. He’s currently shopping for a Ford pickup from the 1960s to makeover as “Rat Rod” with a big V-8 engine.
During his time with Ford, Schiavone has seen some significant changes. What stands out as most memorable for him?
“The biggest change is what we’re doing now,” he said. “We’re now building the best products in our history. Our product development process is bringing our designs to life with the best quality ever. These are the ‘good old days!’”
The Ford Flex has made a design statement since it was launched in 2008. Schiavone is justifiably proud.
“I love the ‘cool factor’ of Flex,” said Schiavone. “It’s the only hip three-row vehicle on the planet.”
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
Oct. 28, 2009