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Who's Where: Camilo Pardo leaves Ford

Camilo Pardo has ended his 24 year long career at Ford to pursue his numerous other creative endeavors. CDN caught up with the accomplished artist, sculptor, clothing and furniture designer at his annual Designer's Night bash in Detroit, where he told us how he was now "free to do anything", but would not divulge details as the announcement was not yet official. A native New Yorker, Pardo graduated from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit and was granted the Industrial Design Society of America Merit Award in 1985.

Volvo S60 sedan shown at the Detroit auto show

Showing a new direction inspired by Scandinavian design, Volvo displayed a concept vehicle at the Detroit Auto Show that previews the new S60 sedan, due in 18 months. The car has a new face--with angled headlamps, a coupe roofline and no B-pillar--and an interior with the "environment of a modern Scandinavian living room," said Steve Mattin, Volvo senior vice president of design. The car's more emotional look is part of a longer-term strategy to give Volvo a more exciting image in the United States through changes in product design and marketing, said Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Car Corp.

Who's Where: Gert Hildebrand appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto

Gert Hildebrand, former General Manager of Mini Design, was appointed Head of Design at Qoros Auto in January this year. In his new role, Hildebrand is responsible for overseeing a regeneration of the existing design and styling processes at the joint venture company, a collaboration between Qoros and Israel Corporation, which was founded in 2007. One of many high level designers making the transition to China, Hildebrand is is currently tasked with leading the creation of the new Qoros brand, which was unveiled at a presentation in Shanghai last week.