Car industry legend killed in tragic incident

TRIBUTES have been paid to a car industry legend who died in a tragic incident involving a tractor.

Richard Parry-Jones died at the age of 69, following the incident on private land in Barmouth, Gwynedd.

Emergency services were called to the scene on Friday and an investigation has been launched.

Motor industry chiefs have paid tribute to Bangor-born Mr ParryJones, who also ran the award winning eco-friendly Coes Faen hotel in Barmouth with his wife Sara.

A statement by the Marshall Motor Group Dealership said: “We are deeply saddened to have to inform you of the sudden passing of our chairman, Professor Richard ParryJones following a tragic incident near his home in Wales.

“As you will appreciate, we are all very shocked by this tragic and sudden news.

“Richard absolutely loved working at Marshall – he felt it was a very special place with a great culture and was so excited about the future for the group. We were so fortunate to have him as our chairman.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”

Mr Parry-Jones spent more than 30 years in senior executive positions at Ford, and served as its chief technical officer for 10 years.

Bill Ford, executive chairman of the Ford Motor Company, also paid tribute to Mr Parry-Jones.

In a statement, he said: “Richard Parry-Jones was a rare talent, who left an indelible mark on Ford and the industry.

“As an engineer, he was a virtuoso with an uncanny feel for creating cars that were dynamic and incredibly fun to drive.

“I can tell you that going on a test drive with him was not for the faint of heart.

“His passion for great cars and love of motoring inspired legions of engineers and enthusiasts in Europe and around the world.

“Richard will be deeply missed and our heart goes to his family and loved ones.”

According to Auto Express, from the mid-1990s, Mr Parry-Jones led development teams responsible for some of the greatest cars in Ford’s history, including the original Ford Mondeo, Focus, Ka and Puma.

He retired from Ford in 2007 to follow a consultancy career, advising the Welsh Government on economic development, transport and energy matters. Mr Parry-Jones was also chairman of Network Rail and a chairman of Yorkshire Water.