Ex-Lincoln Design Boss Shows up at Nissan
That didn’t take long. After six years spent crafting the design language of Lincoln’s growing stable of vehicles, design director David Woodhouse abruptly resigned earlier this week. The 50-year-old’s connection with parent Ford Motor Company was a long one — 20 years, since his days at Ford’s Premier Automotive Group.
The mystery as to where Woodhouse would land next is over. On Friday, Nissan announced the former Lincoln designer will go to town on the next generation of the brand’s vehicles.
Starting July 1st, Woodhouse will set up shop in San Diego as the new vice president of Nissan Design America. He’ll also have a seat on the company’s Global Nissan Design Management Committee.
Maybe a new eye for style will help the automaker (and especially its Infiniti division) turn around what’s become a grim situation. Nissan needs all the help it can get.
“David’s talent, leadership and vision will ensure that NDA shapes an exciting future for the Infiniti and Nissan brands as well as groundbreaking user experience concepts for our customers for years to come,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president of global design.
At Lincoln, Woodhouse helped usher in a new era of subdued elegance and visual refinement that marked a departure from past efforts. His stamp can be found on the Continental-esque corporate grille and European lines found on the brand’s new crop of products. Time will tell in what direction Woodhouse takes Nissan and Infiniti.
[Image: Lincoln Motor Company]
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Did he design the MKZ? I actually really like its exterior. Its side profile is one of my favourite. Let's not mention the Ford interior....
Sounds like he got head hunted. Good for him. Not sure where he lived working for Ford, but it's a safe bet it was somewhere around Detroit. Detroit to San Diego is a nice upgrade. Nissan could use the design help, but they really need help with someone either getting the CVT right, or getting rid of it straightaway.
that's all fine and dandy to hire him as I think he's talented , but I agree with jkross22. Nissan's problems are with their powertrains
Agree on the CVT. I wouldn't want a Nissan with the CVT especially when it cost 4k to 6k to replace it. I will pass on any Nissan.