Ford Self Drive Ambition

During CES 2016, Ford’s chief executive Mark Fields has discussed the company’s self-driving car tech ambitions.

20:49 06 January 2016

During the CES 2016, Ford’s press conference focused on cars with Knightrider-esque voice control and the use of drone technology.

 

While the world’s tech press was anticipating news of a big deal with Google, Ford’s chief executive hinted that such deal did not push through just yet. Instead, Mr Fields said that Ford and other giant car manufacturers are working together to make their own car operating system called SyncConnect. This technology allows car owners to use their Android or Apple device as it supports Android Auto and CarPlay.

 

However, many are still anticipating that Google and Ford will make big announcements on the Detroit Motor Show, which is just around the corner.

 

Meanwhile, Ford shared exciting details of its autonomous car research. Mr Fields said that Ford has been working in this area for over a decade and confirmed that its autonomous vehicles had travelled several miles.

 

"We have a number of miles that are giving us a lot of data to improve the algorithms and also the performance of the vehicles. But clearly we're going to ramp that up this year," he said.

 

He added that unlike other companies, Ford’s autonomous and hi-tech cars would be for everyone.