On the heels of ArtPrize, we found this article from Ford Social on what makes for great design in vehicles timely and interesting. Just like Grand Rapids’ public art festival, Artprize, some designs seem to capture the imagination of the public above all others. Over the years at Borgman Ford, we’ve we’ve watched the strategic design team roll out many iconic hits. Check out this article to learn about the “One Ford” philosophy of design, then stop by to drive one đ
By Tori Tellem
What makes a particular design great? OK, thatâs sort of a trick question, because design is very subjective. Take art: Two people can look at a painting and have a very different reaction to it. Two people can look at architecture, and one may have an emotional connection while the other feels nothing. Styles of clothing either appeal or donât.
Now think about the challenges with car design. Itâs got all of that â it has to look ârightâ to the eyes, cause an emotional connection and be appealing. Then itâs about making that âlookâ speak to the masses, and often on a global scale. Your vehicle needs to not only stand out in the crowd, but also make that crowd think about buying the same vehicle for themselves. Itâs also about creating an iconic design, recognizable worldwide, easily identified even by those who donât own one.
âGreat design is defined by purpose, simplicity, emotion and, above all, honesty,â explained Freeman Thomas, Ford Director of Strategic Design. âGreat design must have a soul and a philosophy. Ford is about great design.â
The One Ford philosophy about design has to do with vehicles sharing characteristics that will appeal to consumers on all continents. âI consider the Stahl House, the 1965 Ford GT40 and the 2014 Ford Fusion Energi to be three significant representations of these values,â explained Freeman. Stahl House, which is considered an iconic example of modern architecture, has much in common with Ford. âIts design transcends social class. It was a case study about creating affordable housing with aspiration. Its simplicity is humbling,â Freeman said. Ford vehicles have simplicity in design, yet also push boundaries.
The concept of Ford design is to create that appeal, no matter how the vehicle will be used. Whether consumer-oriented or for motorsports, mpg or mph â the vehicle needs to have a design that strikes a chord and gets attention. Freeman also said, âItâs about looking at something and feeling as though itâs so much more. The Fusion Energi is a car that visually looks so premium and so expensive. It is a plug-in hybrid so it is explicit in its conscience and purpose, yet it has that irrational desire â itâs a gorgeous car.â
This is the month to pick the perfect fleet: until July 1st, Ford’s tough commercial trucks are in their prime. With Upfit Cash Incentives, Cash Back, and Maintenance packages, you could save up to $8,000 on a powerful new addition to your fleet!
Ford Transit Connect offers the comfort and efficiency of a car – but thatâs where the car-like similarities end. Transit Connect is a rugged truck, certified to Ford Light Commercial Vehicle Durability Standards. It provides a maximum payload of 1,600 lbs. and up to 129.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2.0L Duratec engine is as responsive as it is efficient.
Ford Motor Company has just introduced the all-new Transit chassis cab and cutaway models, engineered to tackle an almost unlimited variety of specialized jobs and vocations.
What Makes the F-250 SuperDuty The Greatest Tow On Earth?
At Borgman Ford, we’re excited to announce that our manufacturer is being featured in Fast Companyâs annual Most Innovative Companies issue. The magazine, which hit the stands today, honors leading businesses, including Apple, Amazon, Google and Target along with such rising newcomers as Square, Fab and Tumblr. Ford Motor Company is the only full-line automaker named to the 2013 list. Nike ranks No. 1 following the release of two major innovations, FuelBand and Flyknit technology.
That’s right. America’s Most Capable Pickup is now even better. Tested-tough new powertrains – designed, engineered and built by Ford – give Super Duty class-leading fuel economy, plus best-in-class diesel horsepower and torque.
Allow us to introduce the Ford Atlas Concept, revealed at the North American International Auto Show. Ford has built the Atlas Concept as a way to explore how to improve a truck’s towing and hauling characteristics, and it also offers a glimpse at where Ford trucks may be headed in the future.