Darrell Behmer: Designing the Face of Ford Mustang
Darrell Behmer, chief designerBackground
For Darrell Behmer, designing vehicles at Ford is a natural progression of a love for cars that began at a young age and was influenced by his father, who was also a Ford designer.
Behmer, Mustang chief designer, sees himself as the “band leader” for Mustang design and keeps his team focused on creating a beautiful car that people can emotionally connect with, while working with engineering and marketing to deliver a product that is exciting to drive yet true to its roots as an iconic American pony car.
Behmer’s work on the 2012 and 2013 Mustang Boss 302 holds special meaning for him.
“When I was 8, my father took me to Michigan International Speedway and Mid-Ohio to see the Boss Mustangs driven by Parnelli Jones and George Follmer in the Trans-Am series,” he said. “From then on the Boss was my favorite Mustang.”
His life and passion
- He has been married to Kimberly for 24 years and they have two sons, ages 23 and 19
- Behmer said he and his father got their first Mustangs together late in 1964 – his father’s a Champagne Beige coupe and his a Rangoon Red pedal car
- Behmer is a second-generation Ford designer – his late father started at the company in 1958 and worked here for 31 years
- Outside of work Behmer enjoys spending time in Northern Michigan, riding motorcycles, traveling and following Grand-Am racing
- He has a 2012 Mustang Boss Laguna Seca in his garage, which he takes out for an occasional track day
What he does for Ford
- He’s been with Ford for 28 years, with experience both in the design studios of Europe as well as North America
- Behmer previously was chief designer for Ford’s portfolio of midsize cars including Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. He also worked on midsize utility vehicles including Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX
- He has worked as Mustang chief designer for three years, ensuring his team delivers a memorable car for customers
# # #