Ford has opened the expansion of its Design Centre at Merkenich-Cologne, Germany.

The design centre is home to the development team for worldwide small and compact models such as Fiesta and Focus.

The centre features an open and fluid design that creates an atmosphere for efficient communication and idea exchange. With its innovative open-plan design, Ford's different teams are brought closer together.

Like Us on Facebook

"A design studio is not like a traditional office where people sit alongside each other in rows of desks," said Serife Celebi, design supervisor, Colour and Material Design, Ford of Europe. "In a design studio, you need plenty of space and natural light in order to view designs and concepts from different angles and distances.

"Outstanding design is one of the things that sets our brand apart and excites our customers," said Martin Smith, executive design director, Ford of Europe. "The Design Centre expansion will provide employees with a highly-motivational environment in which they are free to further develop Ford's design philosophy."

In addition the modern and innovative design, Ford also installed a power wall which projects car and concept designs in 3D and virtual environments, redesigned the existing studios, and introduced new milling machines that create precise clay models of new vehicles using computer-aided design.

The construction work started on the expansion in April 2011.