Francois Jean Castaing

Francois Castaing, a pioneering engineer and automotive industry executive, who, in the 1980s and 1990s, oversaw the production of the Jeep Cherokee, the Dodge Viper, and the Dodge Neon, among other breakout models, passed away surrounded by his family, on July 26, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was 78.

Born in Marseille, France, on May 18, 1945, the eldest of eight children, Francois attended l'École National Supérieure des Arts et Métiers, one of the country's oldest engineering schools. After graduating, he joined the Paris workshop of racing legend Amédée Gordini. During the next decade, Francois spearheaded the development of a 2-liter V6 turbo engine-the first turbo-charged engine deployed in F1 racing-which eventually powered Renault Alpine to a first-place finish at Le Mans in 1978.

In 1980, American Motors Corporation, in search of a response to the recent oil crisis and teetering on the edge of collapse, entered into an agreement with Renault to help develop a line of small, fuel-efficient cars. Francois moved with his family to the suburbs of Detroit for what was meant to be a 2-year stint. Francois then stayed on, overseeing engineering for the company's line of sports utility vehicles and trucks. His efforts culminated in the development of the second-generation Jeep Cherokee, an iconic compact SUV, with rugged good looks and a lightweight unibody design, that remained in production for more than a decade. The model is largely credited with spurring the massive American market for four-wheel-drive vehicles that endures to this day.

After Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987, Francois took on the role of vice president of vehicle engineering. He implemented a new model of product development, known as Platform Teams, a strategy that favored empowering employees over the traditional top-down design approach. During his tenure, he oversaw engineering for a string of signature cars, including Chrysler's line of LH sedans, the Dodge Viper, and the Dodge Neon. Past colleagues and employees alike described him as a passionate innovator who sought out the best in his team members. He was committed to fostering collaboration and to identifying and supporting rising talent within the organization.

Francois's impact and influence on the auto industry led to his election, in 1995, to the National Academy of Engineering. In 2010, he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. At the time, the only other French-born inductees were Andre Citroen, Armand Peugeot, Louis Renault, and Andre and Edouard Michelin.

Francois retired from Chrysler, in 1997, at the age of 52, and went on to serve on the boards of major corporations including Exide Technologies, Amerigon, Durakon Industries, NextEnergy, TRW, and Gentherm. But his true passion in retirement was inspiring young people to pursue careers in science and engineering. He took over the chairmanship of the Detroit Science Center in 1999, which was then on the verge of bankruptcy, and led a major capital campaign that expanded its exhibition space tenfold. He simultaneously led the efforts of FIRST Robotics in Michigan, an education competition that creates opportunities for students to explore careers in engineering. He later took up vintage car racing as a hobby.

While Francois made a name for himself in the automotive industry and as a committed community leader, he was equally known for his devotion to family. He met his wife Marlies Kleinhans in 1967. The couple married on September 16, 1972, in Brand, Austria, and had four daughters together. He would often say he could not have become the person he was without his partner-in-chief. He also often said that he was building cars for his daughters; the cars had to be safe and reliable enough for his daughters to drive. He picked up pizza every Saturday after tennis, cooked pasta with capers every Sunday after church, and made time for family trips to France and Austria every summer, to keep his family grounded in its European roots. Over the course of his "corporate years," he and Marlies entertained often and with grace, welcoming visitors and friends from around the world to their dinner table. He butchered American idioms with his endearing French accent. He danced easily and enthusiastically, preferably to the Rolling Stones and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He had a mischievous smile and a knowing wink that charmed anyone who met him.

Francois is survived by his wife Marlies; his four daughters Eva Wirthlin (with husband Rob), Brigitte Addimando (with husband Leo), Marta Castaing (with husband Rob Fischer), and Laura Castaing; his siblings Denis Castaing, Elizabeth Hebert, Marie Nocella, Pierre Castaing, Philippe Castaing, and Claire Castaing; eight grandchildren, as well as scores of loving nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Blanche Castaing, and his brother Bernard Castaing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix or the Michigan Science Center to honor Francois's memory.