Chris Svensson, head of design for final Aussie Ford Falcon dies

CHRIS SVENSSON, the man who headed up Ford’s local design team during development of the final Aussie Falcon, has passed away aged 53.

Svensson was born and raised in England and joined Ford in 1992, holding a number of key positions within the company in the UK, Europe, North America, as well as Australia.

From 2010 to 2014, Svensson was the design director of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, where he oversaw the Asia Pacific Design Centre in Melbourne. It was during that time when Ford launched the final Australian-built and engineered Falcon, the FG X.

A Ford Australia spokesman told Wheels that while the company traditionally doesn’t attribute vehicles to specific designers, Svensson “certainly played a role” in penning the final Aussie falcon.

“Chris considered his time at Ford Australia as one of the highlights of his career,” Todd Willing, the current Ford Asia Pacific Design Director said in a statement.

“I had the pleasure of working for Chris in Europe, Australia and the US where his passion for design, drive for excellence and good taste was always shining through. Chris was a great influence on everyone and will be greatly missed.”

While Svensson was the design director for Ford locally, his team also penned the 2015 Ranger update and Everest SUV.

“We are sad to learn of the passing of Ford Design Director Chris Svensson,” the company said in a statement.

“Chris was a talented designer, an inspiring leader and a friend to many people. He made countless contributions to Ford during his 26-year career and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Svensson most recently worked as part of the team which developed Ford’s GT supercar. He is survived by his wife, Sonia, and daughters Hannah and Ella.