Ford and Google announce a unique strategic partnership for acceleration
the transformation of Ford and the
redefining the connected vehicle experience. Ford also named Google Cloud as a preferred cloud service provider to leverage its world-class
Google's technology in data use, artificial intelligence and
intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). In the context of the new,
six years of cooperation - and starting in 2023 - millions of future
Ford and Lincoln vehicles in all price ranges will be equipped with
Android operating system, with built-in Google apps and services.
To accelerate innovation, Ford and Google are establishing a new collaborative team called Team Upshift. Leveraging the talents and resources of both companies, Team Upshift will expand Ford's transformational horizon, "unlock" opportunities for personalized user experiences and
developing data-driven services. Among the projects will be the development of new customer experiences when purchasing
of a vehicle, the creation of new data-based services for the
vehicle owners, and many more.
"As Ford continues the most radical transformation in its history with electrification, connectivity and the
and autonomous vehicles, the partnership between Google and Ford is creating an innovation superpower capable of delivering a superior
experience to our customers and modernize our business
activity," said Jim Farley, President & CEO of Ford.
"From the first, moving production line to the most modern
driver assistance technologies, Ford is an example of innovation for the
automotive industry for almost 120 years," said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google & Alphabet. "We are proud to
we will work together to implement Google's best AI and data analytics tools and digital technologies (compute & cloud platforms), which will help to
transforming Ford's business and creating industry-leading safety and connectivity technologies for
the cars of the brand."
As a preferred cloud service provider and starting this year, Google will help Ford leverage Google Cloud's AI, ML and data analytics technologies to accelerate the manufacturer's digital transformation
car, modernisation of activities and operation of technologies
connected vehicle with Google's trusted, secure and reliable cloud. With Google Cloud, Ford plans to:
- Further improve customer experiences by
different technologies and personalised services - Accelerate the modernisation of product development, the
production and supply chain management, and to explore the
use of Vision AI in production, employee training and in the
improving the reliability of factory equipment - Accelerate the implementation of business models based on
to data so that customers receive real-time alerts in the
time, such as requests for maintenance work or price notifications.
Ford and Google share the same vision to deliver an enjoyable,
safer and more efficient connected vehicle experiences with minimal
distraction of drivers and with customers always "watching"
the latest technological developments with over-the-air updates. Starting in 2023, buyers of models
Ford and Lincoln around the world will benefit from unique digital experiences
based on the Android operating system and with built-in Google apps and services, including world-class
map and voice control technologies:
- With the Google Assistant, drivers can keep their attention on the road and the road ahead.
hands on the wheel, controlling everything through their voice. - With Google Maps as the primary car navigation service, drivers can
get to their destination faster with traffic information in
real-time, automatic route recalculation, lane guidance
traffic and others. - With Google Play, drivers will have access to their favourite apps to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and more. These apps are optimized and integrated for use within
in the vehicle.
The in-car Android operating system also allows Ford and third-party developers to develop apps
offering an increasingly better and more personalised ownership experience.
"We are passionate about creating essential, unique
Ford products and services," Farley said. "This integration will unleash
our teams to create innovative products for Ford and Lincoln customers while at the same time offering access to world-class
class apps and Google services."
