The Model E division will be able to handle advanced driving technology and create a new experience when it comes time to shop for a vehicle.
Ford+ plans to transform the Blue Oval by dividing it into Model E and Blue divisions. Both will have their own business units, with a focus on electric and combustion-powered vehicles. However, they will be able share innovating. Ford claims that this strategy will allow the business to compete against established automakers and new EV rivals.
Ford claims that the Model E division will be able to work at a high volume level and have the speed of a startup at cutting edge technology. This includes the development of EV platforms, electric motors, batteries, chargers, and other related systems.
This group will also be responsible to develop the software platforms and the user experience for all brand vehicles. The group will also be responsible for developing future connected car tech as well as advanced driving assist systems. Ford announced that the team will create a new shopping experience for vehicles. It will include “simple, intuitive, transparent e-commerce platforms and transparent pricing” as well as personalized customer support.
The automaker has pledged to produce more than 2,000,000 EVs per year by 2026. This is a substantial increase, as Ford recently stated that 600,000. EVs will be produced globally every year by 2023.
Ford will invest $5 billion in EVs by 2022. It is hoped that EVs will account for half the world’s total volume by 2030.
The Blue division will handle combustion-powered vehicles such as Mustang and F150. According to Jim Farley, CEO of Motor1.com, the company will continue to invest on combustion engines but only in certain segments such as trucks.
Stuart Rowley, Chief Transformation and quality Officer, stated that Ford Blue would be Ford’s profit engine and provide the vitality to finance the future. This indicates that electric vehicle development is likely to be funded largely by ICE vehicles, at least for the near future.
According to a February rumor, Ford may have considered separating its EV operations to create a separate company that could appeal to investors. Farley confirmed during the live stream that Ford was considering this option. Farley confirmed that the automaker had sufficient capital to start the Model E division. This allows Ford Blue to communicate with everything easier and keeps everything in one corporate structure.