Ford and Google partner up for future development of Ford's systems

Ford and Google have announced a unique strategic partnership to accelerate Ford's transformation and reinvent the connected vehicle experience. Ford has also named Google Cloud its preferred cloud provider to leverage Google's world-class expertise in data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

As part of this new, six-year partnership, future Ford and Lincoln vehicles at all price points will be powered by Android, with Google apps and services built-in.

Ford and Google are establishing a new collaborative group, Team Upshift. Leveraging the talent and assets of both companies, the group will push the boundaries of Ford's transformation, unlock personalised consumer experiences, and drive disruptive, data-driven opportunities, including projects ranging from developing new retail experiences when buying a vehicle, creating new ownership offers based on data, and more.

As its preferred cloud provider starting later in 2021, Google will help Ford leverage Google Cloud's AI, ML and data analytics technologies to accelerate Ford's digital transformation, modernise operations, and power connected vehicle technologies with Google Cloud.

With Google Cloud, Ford plans to further improve customer experiences for customers with differentiated technology and personalised services, accelerate modernisation of product development, manufacturing and supply chain management, including exploration of using vision AI for manufacturing employee training and even more reliable plant equipment performance.

Ford also plans to fast track the implementation of data-driven business models resulting in customers receiving real-time notices such as maintenance requests or trade-in alerts. Ford and Google have a shared vision to bring enjoyable, safer and more efficient connected vehicle experiences built to minimise driver distraction and keep customers at the forefront of technology with over-the-air updates.

Beginning in 2023, Ford and Lincoln customers globally will start to benefit from unique digital experiences built on top of the Android operating system, and with Google apps and services built-in. With Google Assistant, drivers can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, by getting things done with just their voice.

With Google Maps as the vehicles' primary navigation, drivers can reach their destination faster with information on real-time traffic, automatic rerouting, lane guidance and more. With Google Play, drivers will have access to their favourite apps for entertainment, with these apps being optimised and integrated for in-vehicle use.