The Ford Motor company had created a new subsidiary Smart Mobility LLC devoted to advance transportation technologies and business models involving ride-sharing services, autonomous cars and vehicle connectivity. It will collaborate with other technology companies and startups to develop new products. Jim Hackett, former Steelcase vice chairman and CEO, will leave Ford's board of directors to become chairman of the new mobility-services subsidiary.
It will be seeking technology partners in Silicon Valley and building on work already under way at Ford, according to a company news release.
By yearend, it plans to have a fleet of autonomous vehicles in operation on roads in California, Arizona and Michigan, testing connectivity in communities and even in snow.
And it is developing mobility services that will help consumers find their way through traffic, locate parking and hail ride-sharing services.
