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Ford names Freeman Thomas as Strategic Design Director

 Long-time DaimlerChrysler designer Freeman Thomas is joining Ford Motor Company from June 1. Thomas, 47, will become director of Strategic Design, reporting to Peter Horbury, executive director of Design, North America. Based in the company's Irvine, California studio, Thomas will lead advanced design teams in both California and Dearborn.

Fisker expects to partner with automakers

Fisker Automotive's CEO, warning of the pitfalls facing independent small automakers, says the luxury plug-in hybrid manufacturer is poised to partner with other automakers next year. Tony Posawatz, Fisker's CEO and former chief engineer of the Chevrolet Volt, told Automotive News that Fisker is in talks for three potential deals in which executives at the "highest levels" of the companies involved are "talking specifics." "We are absolutely committed to making this company win longer term, and the history of smaller companies living on their own in the automotive business is not stellar," Posawatz said in an interview. "We are not going to go it alone." Posawatz said alliance deals could be completed within the next year.

Chrysler marks 25 years of minivans with special edition

Over at Chrysler, we suppose any good news is worth celebrating, and the production of more than 12 million minivans during the past 25 years is certainly noteworthy. To mark the occasion, Chrysler is introducing the 25th Anniversary Editions of the Chrysler Town & Country and the Dodge Grand Caravan. Both models will feature new interior color combinations, trims, Stow 'n Go seating, UConnect stereo interface and second- and third-row heated seats.