March 3rd 2022
Jam Farley has brought many changes for the long-lived American automaker since he joined as Ford’s president and CEO. The latest news in this regard is splitting the company into two separate but individual units namely Ford Model e and For Blue.
Where the Model e will work on EVs and connectivity, Ford Blue will take care of vehicles powered by conventional internal combustion engines. This decision is made in accordance with Farley’s Ford+ plan he unveiled in 2021. These two new entities will work in conjunction with Ford Pro, the division dedicated to commercial vehicles.
In the words of the company, the Ford Model e and Ford Blue “will be run as distinct businesses, but also support each other”. It means Blue will borrow software created by Model e. On the other hand, the Model e will focus on future tech, creating stuff like electric platforms, batteries, e-motors, and recycling systems for new electric vehicles.
The Model e will also develop software and architectures along with the systems that will improve car buying and ownership experiences. Farley will take charge as President of Ford Model e.
Alternatively, Ford would “strengthen the iconic Ford vehicles” by creating new vehicles and improving experiences with F-series, Ranger, Maverick, Bronco, Explorer, and Mustang. The company said the brand involvements will vary “from off-roading to performance to family activities,” specifically for “situations when ICE capabilities are required.”
Furthermore, Ford Blue plans to minimise waste and development expenses as means to modernise the internal-combustion operations. The department will also back Model e and Pro with its worldwide modern engineering, development, and testing tech, which the company already owns.
Kumar Galhotra, who was in charge of Ford North America earlier, will assume his position as president of Ford Blue.
Ford’s new strategy clearly hints that the internal combustion engines aren’t going to fade anytime soon. There is still a demand for ICE vehicles and Ford wants to make sure its customers stick to the brand for all the good facilities the brand offers.
Source and Images: Car&Driver