J Mays in action

The Volkswagen Concept 1, one of Mays' early designs, became the basis for the Volkswagen New Beetle. It debuted at the 1994 Detroit auto show.Courtesy Volkswagen AG

Ford Interceptor Concept

Ford Fairlane Concept

Mays took raps from critics for delivering bland vehicles like the Ford Five Hundred.Courtesy Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Freestyle was another notorious blunder, dubbed "Stylefree" by wags.

Shelby GR-1 Concept

Mays, second from left, with the 2013 Ford Fusion sedan, one of his signature works. When it debuted at the 2012 Detroit auto show, the production vehicle was named "Best in Show" by Automotive News sister publication Autoweek."The Ford Fusion bucks the mid-sized sedan trend of playing to the broadest common denominator," Autoweek editor Wes Raynal said at the time. "Where many of the big players are aiming for an inoffensively bland look, the Fusion delivers bold styling that projects a more luxurious message than we expect for its broad, family-car mission. The Fusion is built for the 99 percent, chock-full of 1 percent panache and punch."

Mays led the development of the Lincoln MKZ Concept, shown at the 2012 Detroit auto show.

Mays at the 2012 Detroit auto show in the Lincoln MKZ Concept.

2002 Ford Thunderbird

Mays with the 2011 Ford Explorer

2010 Ford Taurus

2011 Ford Fiesta

2013 Ford F-150

The 2008 Jaguar XF is one of Mays' notable production vehicles. When Ford owned luxury brands Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Aston Martin, Mays became known more as a design executive who helped lure talented designers to the studios of Ford and the other brands.

Jaguar F-Type Concept

The 2005 Ford Mustang (pictured) is one of Mays' notable production vehicles along with the 2010 Mustang.

Mays at the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO reveal.