Ford and Google accelerate automotive innovation, reinvent the connected car experience

Ford and Google announce a unique strategic partnership to accelerate Ford’s transformation and reinvent the connected vehicle experience. Additionally, Ford has designated Google Cloud as its preferred cloud services provider, leveraging Google’s leading expertise in data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). As part of this six-year collaboration agreement, beginning in 2023, millions of future Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles across all price points and models will be powered by Android and feature Google apps and services.

To drive continued innovation, Ford and Google are creating a new collaborative working group, Team Upshift. Leveraging the talent and assets of both companies, Team Upshift will push the boundaries of Ford’s transformation, empower personalized experiences, and leverage disruptive opportunities offered by data. This may include projects such as developing new consumer experiences during vehicle purchases, creating new forms of data-driven ownership, and more.

“As Ford continues its most powerful transformation journey in history through electrification, connectivity, and autonomous driving, the company’s partnership with Google unlocks the potential for innovation that can truly modernize our business and deliver a superior customer experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.

“From the first assembly line to the latest driver-assist technology, Ford has paved the way for automotive innovation for nearly 120 years,” said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. “We’re proud to partner with Ford to leverage the best of Google’s artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, computing, and cloud platforms to help transform its services and build automotive technologies that keep people safe and connected on the road.”

As its preferred cloud services provider, starting later this year, Google will help Ford leverage its AI, ML, and data analytics technologies to accelerate the automaker’s digital transformation, modernize its capabilities, and power connected vehicle technologies, all through Google’s secure, trusted, and reliable cloud services. With Google Cloud, Ford will be able to:

Further improve customer experiences through differentiated technology and personalized services.

Accelerate the modernization of product development, manufacturing, and supply chain management, including research into the use of AI for both training plant employees and achieving even more reliable performance of factory equipment.

Drive the implementation of data-driven business models that result in customers receiving real-time notifications—for example, service reminders or offers.

Ford and Google share a common goal: to deliver more enjoyable, safer, and more efficient connected vehicle experiences, designed to minimize driver distraction and keep users at the forefront of technology through over-the-air updates. Beginning in 2023, Ford and Lincoln customers worldwide will benefit from unique digital experiences, built on the Android operating system and featuring Google apps and services, including world-class navigation and voice-activated control technology:

With Google Assistant, drivers can keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, controlling systems with voice commands.

With Google Maps as their primary navigation system, drivers can reach their destination faster with real-time traffic information, automatic rerouting, lane guidance, and more.

With Google Play, drivers will have access to their favorite apps for listening to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more. These apps are integrated and optimized for use in the vehicle.

In the vehicle, Android also enables Ford and other developers to create apps that offer a constantly improving and increasingly personalized experience.

“We’re obsessed with creating essential and distinctive Ford products and services,” Farley said. “This integration will give our teams a huge range of options when it comes to innovating for Ford and Lincoln customers, while also providing access to Google’s world-class apps and services.”