Todd Willing, designer of the 2017 Ford GT, has replaced Anthony Lo.
Months after the announcement of Ford’s design chief Anthony Lo’s departure, it has been confirmed that he will join the Chinese car brand BAIC Group Co. as chief design officer and vice president of global design.
Lo’s design career spans some of the world’s top automotive brands. Beginning at Lotus in 1987, he moved to Audi in 1990, and by 1993, he was serving as chief designer for Mercedes-Benz’s Japanese studio. Lo joined Ford in early 2021, where he led as chief design officer.
Born in Hong Kong, the designer joined Saab in 2000, where he created the designs for the 2001 9X and 2006 Aero X concepts, along with the production model 2005 Saab 9-5. Lo then shifted his focus to GM, Saab’s parent company at the time, leading design teams for the 2008 Vauxhall Insignia and several concepts, including the 2007 Opel GTC and 2008 Opel Meriva. He later served as vice president of exterior design at Renault from 2010 to 2021.
In a recent statement, BAIC expressed that Lo is anticipated to “significantly strengthen BAIC’s design capabilities and global presence, driving advancements in off-road vehicles, new energy products, and international partnerships.”
BAIC, known for its Arcfox lineup, also manufactures a range of SUVs and 4x4s, including the BJ40, BJ60, and BJ90. The company is behind the Jishi 01 electric SUV, or Polestones 01, and is preparing to launch a new minivan in collaboration with Seres, Chery, and Huawei.
Taking over Lo’s role at Ford is Todd Willing, a 21-year veteran of the Dearborn automaker who led designs for the 2007 Mondeo, 2009 Fiesta, 2010 Focus, and 2017 Ford GT.