Donald Petersen, the former Chairman and CEO of Ford, passed away at 97, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and leadership that transformed the automotive industry. With over four decades of service at Ford, Petersen’s tenure marked a pivotal era for the company, defined by iconic vehicles like the Taurus and his instrumental role in preserving the essence of the Mustang.
During his leadership, Petersen steered Ford through challenging times, earning accolades such as induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame and recognition as “CEO of the Year” by Chief Executive magazine. His commitment to excellence led to the development of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles, with the introduction of the Taurus in 1985 standing out as a landmark achievement.
However, Petersen’s decisive action in saving the Mustang from a controversial redesign cemented his place in automotive history. Faced with backlash over plans to overhaul the Mustang with a front-wheel-drive platform, Petersen listened to customer feedback and scrapped the proposal, ensuring the Mustang retained its iconic V-8 engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Beyond his contributions to Ford’s product lineup, Petersen fostered collaborations with other automakers, including Mazda, leading to innovations like the Ford Probe. His hands-on approach to problem-solving and dedication to quality earned him respect both within and outside the company.
As we bid farewell to a visionary leader, Petersen’s impact on Ford and the automotive world will be remembered for generations. He is survived by his family, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence in the industry.
