Jeep, which has a unique look, is one of the most loved names in the United States. Mark Allen, the Vice President of Design for the company, has been significant in this. He is about to retire and is well-known for modernising the company and making buildings stand out. Allen knew he wanted to build cars when he was five years old. He planned to work for Chrysler when he got to the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. Allen looked up to Tom Gale, who was in charge of design at the time. He was his model. Even though things didn’t go exactly as planned when Jeep hired him in 1994, his dream came true when he got a job the year before. Allen, who later became Jeep’s head of design, says, “I wanted to be a vehicle designer; Jeep was all about trucks.” After his first Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, Allen loved the company. Allan said, “Because of how the event was run, I became a huge Jeep fan.” He said, “I had never driven off-road like that before.” As I started rock climbing, I knew I needed the skills and agility. I learned something about love. As Allen moved up the ranks at Jeep, he joined the Underground, which was in charge of making unique idea cars. The 2004 Jeep KJ “Liberator” idea for SEMA was one of his first projects. Later, Allen took the vehicle to the Easter Jeep Safari, where it made its first official appearance as a brand. It became a custom for Jeep to bring new ideas to the event to show off-road enthusiasts. Allen kept making risky concept cars over the years. Jeep Nukizer 715 (middle and bottom) was his best. Allen comments, “If I could take one home, this would be it.” With Allen in charge, the company has become more robust. The brand used to make only one type of car, but now it makes a wide range of SUVs, from the small Compass to the big Grand Wagoneer. Allen also helped make the Gladiator pickup, and Sergio Marchionne was praised for backing the idea by the head of design. What does he want said about him? He says, “That I didn’t mess it up.” But Allen’s input is far more valuable. Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer of Jeep, said, “I hope that when he looks back on his career, he feels the same way we do, which is satisfaction for the legacy he helped create that will be enjoyed by people all over the world for years to come.” Even though Allen wanted to work in the car business, he fell in love with Jeep. This led to a 30-year career and a long impact. At the time, his work made the Jeep name even better. Allen was a great leader at Jeep and will be hard to top in the future.
