Ford opens new research centre in Silicon Valley

  • Jan 27, 2015
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The automaker aims to accelerate development in connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles

2014 Ford Fiesta front three quarters action shot

Ford has opened its new research and development centre in Palo Alto, California. The carmaker plans to employ 125 researchers, engineers and scientists for the centre to help the company accelerate its development of technologies in connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles.

Commenting on the occasion, Mark Fields, President and CEO, Ford, said, “At Ford we view ourselves as both a mobility and an auto company, as we drive innovation in every part of our business. This new research center shows Ford’s commitment to be part of the Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem – anticipating customers' wants and needs, especially on connectivity, mobility and autonomous vehicles. We are working to make these new technologies accessible to everyone, not just luxury customers.”

Ford’s new facility joins the automaker’s growing network of research and innovation centres, which includes locations in Dearborn, Michigan, which focuses on advanced electronics, human-machine interface, materials science, big data and analytics; and Aachen, Germany, which focuses on next-generation powertrain research, driver-assist technologies and active safety systems.

Dragos Maciuca, a former Apple engineer with a background in consumer electronics, aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing and automotive, will lead Ford’s new team in Palo Alto.

With this new facility, Ford expects to have one of the largest automotive manufacturer research centres in Silicon Valley by the end of the year. The carmaker had opened its first office in Silicon Valley in 2012.

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