Latest news with #DougField
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford's chief EV, digital and design officer shares its software vision
This story was originally published on Automotive Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Automotive Dive newsletter. Ford Motor Co. Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer Doug Field shared an update of the company's future strategy as the automaker navigates the auto industry's transition to software-defined vehicles, in a May 2 blog post. Ford's future-state software project, code-named 'FNV4,' will combine with its existing vehicle architecture dubbed 'FNV3' into a new version referred to as 'FNV3.X.' Field said Ford plans to build on its FNV3.X architecture and offer it across a full portfolio of vehicles. 'In today's automobiles, software is the single biggest lever in advancing a customer's ownership experience,' Field said in the blog post. Field said Ford is already far ahead of its competitors in deploying vehicle software updates. The company delivered 9.5 million updates to its fleet in the first quarter of 2025, according to its blog post, and the shift to its FNV3.X vehicle architecture will deliver software innovations even more quickly to customers. The new architecture will facilitate the rollout of new digital services to customers and improve vehicle quality. It will also support advanced vehicle security and deliver driving and infotainment enhancements to more Ford customers, according to Field. In addition to improving the customer experience, the FNV3.X architecture will allow the automaker to extend the current digital experience — currently offered in the Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator — to other vehicles, including the Bronco, F-150, Mustang and Ranger. This approach will also enable Ford to more easily add its BlueCruise hands-free driving technology to additional models that otherwise wouldn't support it, as the required architecture will be preinstalled. 'Whether it's hands-free highway driving with BlueCruise, intelligent navigation, using your phone as a key, or our Ford Security Package to give you peace of mind, we're integrating technology that actually makes life better, and doing it across as many of our vehicles as we can,' Field said in the blog post. Unified software across the portfolio Like other automakers, Ford is migrating from traditional vehicle architectures to electrical-electronic systems powered by software that can be regularly updated over-the-air. Field said software should be available across Ford's lineup to reach as many customers as possible. Having a dedicated electrical architecture reserved for some vehicles and a legacy architecture for other models — while simultaneously trying to keep them all updated — is not a good strategy for Ford, according to the blog. Without a shared and scalable vehicle software platform, the automaker's software engineers would have to re-develop the same features over and over and adapt them for different models, according to Field. In the auto industry, more than 90% of new architectures being introduced by automakers are exclusive to their electric vehicles, according to Field. But if these architectures are not made available in other models, it can exclude a sizable portion of an automaker's customer base driving ICE and hybrid models. As a result, OEMs will face challenges in delivering the best customer experiences without a more unified vehicle platform that can be shared among models, Field said. Since coming back to Ford in 2021, Field and his team have been working to develop a new software-based vehicle architecture for the automaker. Field joined Ford from Apple in September 2021. Prior to that served as SVP of Engineering at Tesla, where he led the development of the Model 3 sedan. Now, Field is working to deliver to Ford customers the same type of software innovations developed by Apple and Tesla. Ford created a 'skunkworks' team to develop a low-cost electric vehicle platform to make the company more competitive against rivals like Tesla, CEO Jim Farley revealed during the company's earnings call in early 2024. Farley said at the time that Ford's new EVs should be profitable within 12 months of launching, and its low-cost EV platform powered by software will be key to achieving that goal. 'We will not be on the sidelines of what can be done on a next-generation, ground-up electric vehicle,' Field said in the blog post. 'Our electric vehicle 'skunkworks' project is moving full speed ahead to show what we can do when we start with a clean sheet software and electrical architecture.' Recommended Reading Ford Pro's connected vehicle fleet grew 40% since 2023 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford cutting hundreds of connected-vehicle software jobs
Ford Motor Co. is cutting about 350 connected-vehicle software jobs in the U.S. and Canada as part of an ongoing effort to improve efficiency, according to a person with knowledge of the moves. Affected workers were notified May 13. The employees work on projects that include the newly launched Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience. The cuts amount to roughly 5 percent of the automaker's connected-vehicle software team, which is under the purview of Doug Field, Ford's chief EV, digital and design officer. The action is unrelated to U.S. import tariffs or Ford's decision to cancel development of a next-generation electrical software architecture, internally called FNV4, a spokesperson said. 'We consistently review our organization to make sure we are operating efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment,' the spokesperson said in a statement provided to Automotive News. 'We are making changes within our Connected Vehicle Software team to ensure we have the right talent and organization to deliver the world's best next-generation connected vehicles. This will include some separations.' Sign up for the quarterly Automotive News U.S. Sales report to get data and news sent to your inbox as soon as it's compiled. CEO Jim Farley has long talked about finding the right talent to help Ford better compete in the era of software-defined vehicles. On a 2022 earnings call, Farley called the automaker's software talent recruitment 'perhaps the biggest untold story at Ford.' The company late last month scrapped its FNV4 software architecture because of ballooning costs and delays, Reuters reported. 'It's a very significant save for capital efficiency,' Farley said May 5 on Ford's first-quarter earnings call. 'We simply merged our two Ford zonal electric architectures into one. This is very important for the company because our software is going faster than we expected, and the advanced electric architectures allow us to deliver software to the vehicles and customers in a more efficient way.' Unrelated to the U.S. moves, Ford is in the midst of cutting around 14 percent of its European workforce, mostly in Germany and Great Britain. Workers at Ford's factory in Cologne, Germany, expect to strike May 14 as tensions rise over planned cuts. Have an opinion about this story? Tell us about it and we may publish it in print. Click here to submit a letter to the editor. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Auto Blog
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ford Shifts Gears on Future Car Software
The American automaker has decided to merge existing platforms with knowledge gleaned from its work on software-defined vehicles Tesla, Rivian, and other primarily electric automakers are charged with bringing a spicy new buzzword to the market: 'software-defined vehicle.' But it's not as straightforward as it sounds. While arguably most new cars are primarily differentiated by their user-facing software, the term specifically refers to vehicles that rely on the code running under the hood to improve performance, enhance amenities, and more over time, rather than requiring mechanical parts. However, after four years of chasing a new future, Ford has decided to conclude engineering efforts on their software-defined vehicle platform, FNV4. Ford is sticking with domain-based architecture despite substantial investment elsewhere A California-based Ford skunkworks team led by former Apple and Tesla bigwig Doug Field was supposed to bring Ford's vehicles into the next generation. Instead, Field is throwing in the towel, or, at least, that's one way to look at it. In a release, Field claims the FNV4 platform is now being integrated into Ford's current architecture. The result, dubbed FNV3.X, will still, sort of, have the same benefits that FNV4 could've offered: a single shared architecture across the entire model line, regardless of powertrain. So, what does this actually mean for shoppers and drivers? The expensive multi-year investment still nets some positives, according to the brand. Field and other Ford representatives say that the FNV3.X platform will mean faster over-the-air (OTA) software updates and offer 'connected digital experiences,' 'democratizing access to new features,' and 'modernizing the industry,' with nebulous promises of 'advanced vehicle security, driving, and infotainment enhancements for many more customers.' Essentially, features that were once to-be locked behind EVs will now be open to gas-powered models, too. Ford doesn't just make EVs, and it's a large reason for the step back The allure of zonal architecture is, primarily, its relative simplicity from the OEM and supplier side. Using one system that controls everything, from powertrain to safety features and the power windows, is enticing when juxtaposed with the messier domain-based architecture that we know today. It's easy to see why EVs lend themselves to the more straightforward design, but it isn't as simple with gas-powered and hybrid vehicles. 'By taking a more incremental approach, we've vastly expanded the number of vehicles in our portfolio that are going to get the latest infotainment systems and BlueCruise,' Field said in an interview with The Verge. He goes on to say that FNV4 would've made that impossible. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E — Source: Ford Final thoughts All said, Field does present valid points that make you wonder why Ford pursued a software-defined vehicle platform in the first place. 'Our customer experiences range from enjoying a Mustang convertible on a drive along the coast, running a small business with a fleet of F-150s or Transit Vans, to an extended trek with the family in a Lincoln Navigator,' he says. And he's right: all of those vehicles do drastically different things for, potentially, extremely different customers. 'One size fits all' isn't the approach automakers should consider when taking the next step forward. It's a shame Ford didn't realize that before sinking tons of money into its ambitious software project. Editorial note: A spokesperson for Ford reached out to Autoblog and says the automaker is working on separate zonal architecture that will underpin the brand's electric vehicles.
The Advertiser
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added
The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from: The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from FordAuthority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one," said Mr Field. "For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150." FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. MORE: Everything Ford Ranger Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Ford Ranger tech upgrade to see SYNC4 axed, hands-free driving added
The Ford Ranger is set to ditch its SYNC4 infotainment system under a revised tech strategy which will also enable the popular ute to run its BlueCruise autonomous driving system. SYNC4 will be used in the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) as well as the recently revealed 2026 Ranger Super Duty – but these may be the final Rangers with the system. While timing of SYNC4's departure is yet to be revealed, a report from Ford Authority pointed to comments from Ford digital design boss, Doug Field, who said the SYNC4 system will make way for a version of Ford Digital Experience (FDE) – with the Toyota HiLux-rivalling Ranger top of the queue. Also set to move to FDE are the F-150 and Mustang, with the latter set to join the Ranger in getting BlueCruise for the first time. FDE was developed in collaboration with Google, with the roll-out beginning in the US on the 2025 Ford Explorer large SUV – and several models from Ford's luxury brand Lincoln – not sold in Australia. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2025 Ford Explorer with Ford Digital Experience Credit: CarExpert 'Software can sit in several types of electrical layouts, and in our plan, we'll innovate within a layout that draws from our existing platform instead of building a whole new one,' said Mr Field. 'For example, we will be able to take our very successful Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience that we've launched in the Ford Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus and Navigator to many more products like Mustang, Bronco, Ranger, and F-150.' FDE brings a more smartphone-like experience centred around personalisation for vehicle owners, where preferred apps are displayed front-and-centre on the screen. The ability to fit FDE in existing vehicles comes after Ford dropped development of its FNV4 (fully networked vehicle) software. Instead, it will update existing platforms, enabling the use of its BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system, while developing a separate electrical architecture for its upcoming low-cost electric vehicle (EV) platform. BlueCruise, a Level 2 autonomous driving feature, allows for hands-free driving across over 209,000km of highways in North America. As of July 2024, it can also be used across 132,000km of highways in Europe, as Ford continues to receive regulatory approval for the feature in different markets. It currently isn't supported in Australia. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Ranger's move to what Ford is calling the FNV3.X electrical architecture may see SYNC4 replaced in the Ranger in a model year update ahead of a new model on a fresh platform, with the current underpinnings having been introduced in 2011. The next-generation Ranger is expected in 2028 after the Ford F-150 development was delayed 12 months, with the two vehicles previously planned to share the same platform for the first time. It is not clear whether the planned shared platform strategy – which was intended to reduce the number of platforms globally to streamline manufacturing costs – will go ahead. SYNC4 was announced in 2019 and brought capabilities including over-the-air (OTA) updates including cloud-based navigation and connected services. The Ford Ranger was the first Ford Australia vehicle to gain the FordPass smartphone app when it was launched locally in 2020. Supplied Credit: CarExpert MORE: Everything Ford Ranger
