EARL LUCAS: TAURUS DESIGN MANAGER FINDS INSPIRATION IN MUSIC, FASHION, ELECTRONICS, LOCAL CAR CULTURE
- Earl Lucas, exterior design manager for the 2010 Ford Taurus, finds inspiration from a number of sources
- Lucas is legendary within the Ford design staff for infusing the creative process with music
- He is a resident of Detroit, Mich.
Earl Lucas, exterior design manager for the 2010 Ford Taurus, is inspired by music, Detroit area car culture, fashion and the objects of everyday life, such as consumer electronics.
"I’ve been drawing cars since I was about 3 years old," said Lucas. "When visiting College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, I learned that I could earn a paycheck doing just that."
Lucas grew up in Dallas, attending the noted Arts Magnet High School that also launched recording artists Erykah Badu and Norah Jones. Lucas went on to CCS, with a focus on transportation design.
"CCS is legendary for providing students with opportunities to work directly with design professionals from the auto industry," said Lucas.
After graduation Lucas designed aircraft interiors for notable clients, including the Sultan of Brunei. In 1998, he was invited to join the design staff at Ford.
"As a design manager, I take great pride in creating an atmosphere that nurtures creativity," added Lucas with a broad smile. "I’ll listen to – and frequently act on – good ideas, regardless of who might be pitching them or where they come from. That’s the key to turning out smart designs that consumers are looking for."
Lucas is legendary within the design staff for infusing the process with music. The genre-diverse sounds of Citizen Cope, for Lucas, are inextricably linked to the expressive exterior design of the 2010 Taurus.
"My proudest accomplishment is the distinctive look of the new Taurus," offered Lucas. "The car has such rich history of ground-breaking design, going back to the 1986 original. The new model is much more than functional transportation. It’s now aspirational, a car that people will want to be seen in."
Living and working in the Detroit area has provided Lucas with inspiration, as well.
"For a ‘car guy’ like me, there’s always a local car show or something automotive to do, or look at. My basement contains an automotive library and my collection of over 2,000 Hot Wheels model cars," said Lucas.
Lucas’ garage is currently home to a 2007 Ford Mustang GT and a 2008 Lincoln Navigator. But something is missing.
"I really want a 1970 Mustang Boss 429. It’s my favorite Ford product of all time because of the blade-like form language on the hood, and the amber detailing on the headlamps," he added.
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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.
Sept. 30, 2009
