Why Ford decided to merge its next-gen architecture with its current platform
When Ford poached Doug Field from Apple in 2021, the company had high hopes for the mild-mannered engineer. Field would lead the charge on developing "the next-gen Blue Oval Intelligence tech stack to deliver smart, connected vehicles, and services that improve over time through constant updates," it said in the release. Now, as Ford grapples […]
When Ford poached Doug Field from Apple in 2021, the company had high hopes for the mild-mannered engineer. Field would lead the charge on developing "the next-gen Blue Oval Intelligence tech stack to deliver smart, connected vehicles, and services that improve over time through constant updates," it said in the release.
Now, as Ford grapples with stagnant EV sales and project delays, Field is wrestling with the challenge of how to enact that bold vision of the future, given the harsh realities of the present.
At the time of his hire, the only car company with a snappy, seamless, and satisfying software experience was Tesla. Legacy automakers like Ford could only look on with envy as Elon Musk's company pushed out monthly over-the-air updates that amazed and delighted his many customers.
Ford wanted that too, and so it hired Field to lead the effort. In addition to heading Apple's secretive car project, Field also served as chief engineer at Tesla overseeing the Model 3's design. Who better to turn this lumbering 121-year-old company into a cutting-edge software shop?
Who better to turn this lumbering 121-year-old company into a cutting-edge software shop?
Four years later …
