After 31 years with the company, Joe Dehner has announced his retirement. Dehner has had an extraordinary career at Chrysler. Although he currently holds the title of Head of Ram and Mopar Design for FCA – North America, he has worked across all four of the core Mopar brands and some of the company’s former brands.
He contributed to creating legendary concept vehicles like the original 1991 Chrysler Neon Concept, 1993 Plymouth Prowler Concept, 1999 Dodge Charger R/T Concept, and the 2000 Chrysler 300 HEMI C Concept. His production vehicle portfolio includes designs for the 2001 Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Sebring Coupes, the 2007 Chrysler Sebring, the 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible, and the Eagle Talon.
Joe also led the Mopar team in crafting some of the most memorable concept vehicles in recent history. These vehicles were showcased at events like the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
Under Dehner’s leadership, the Ram design studio delivered the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 and significantly refreshed the 2019 Ram Heavy Duty. These efforts helped the Ram brand win Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year honors for the second time in a decade.
In addition to his work at FCA, Dehner has served on the board of directors of his alma mater, the
Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), for 11 years. He regularly visits to mentor and inspire students.
“For decades, Joe has contributed his time as a CIA instructor and board member,” says Daniel Cuffaro, Department Chair of Industrial Design at the school. “Additionally, he has made generous financial contributions and has been a steadfast advocate within FCA. Finally, he has been a trusted advisor to me and a cheerleader and constructive critic to our students.”
As a young kid dreaming of becoming a car designer, I wrote to the Chrysler Corporation for advice on achieving my goals. To my surprise, I received a letter from Joe outlining a path to reach them, which I still have tucked away for safekeeping. While my career didn’t follow that path, receiving that letter was an incredible feeling. Later, I was fortunate enough to meet him as an adult. Joe is one of those passionate car people behind the scenes at FCA whose stories we read and admire.
We at MoparInsiders wish Joe a happy retirement and hope to see him enjoying some of the many car events we will attend next summer.
