Ford Universal EV Platform (symbolic image)Image: FordFord has officially announced the creation of a ‘new product creation and industrialisation organisation to scale next-gen vehicles and technology.’ The newly formed division is tasked with delivering ‘one of the most intensive product, software, and services rollouts in Ford’s history,’ while also integrating the previously independent team for electric vehicles, digitalisation, and design into Ford’s global industrial system. The carmaker views this as a ‘key lever’ for achieving the goals outlined in its ‘Ford+’ strategic plan.Until now, Doug Field led Ford’s electric vehicle team in his role as Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer. The former Tesla and Apple executive joined Ford in 2021 and quickly became a key appointment by CEO Jim Farley to bolster the carmaker’s capabilities in advanced technologies—particularly to narrow the widely cited gap with Tesla in electric mobility and software-defined vehicles.Field played a central role in reshaping Ford’s vehicle development approach. While he did not officially lead the Ford Model e unit—established in 2022 alongside the combustion-engine division Ford Blue—he was widely seen as its public face, as reported by Electrek.During his tenure, Ford advanced its new Universal EV Platform, designed to underpin the next generation of electric vehicles with a cost-efficient architecture and simplified manufacturing processes aimed at improving commercial viability.With the integration of his division into the new structure, Doug Field will leave Ford next month. However, the company will not appoint a successor from Silicon Valley to take over his responsibilities in EVs and digitalisation.Instead, the ‘Product Creation and Industrialisation’ division will report to COO Kumar Galhotra. The move signals a shift in strategy under CEO Jim Farley, who had previously emphasised the importance of Silicon Valley expertise to strengthen the company’s capabilities in these areas.“I’m honoured to have been a part of leading Ford during an unprecedented period of technology and market disruption,” Field said. “I believe Ford now has a winning technology strategy and plan. The first breakthrough product off the Universal EV platform – a mid-size pickup – is on its way to production. We have clearly defined hardware, software, and electrification plans across our full product line. The initial quality of our core technologies is now near the top of the industry.”While responsibility will shift away from a Silicon Valley figure to Kumar Galhotra—an experienced manufacturing executive—California will remain a key hub for Ford.Alan Clarke, who leads the California-based team developing more affordable electric vehicles on the Universal EV Platform, has been promoted to Vice President of Advanced Development Projects. The Californian skunkworks unit will remain in place, although it will now report at a different level within the organisation.“This is the culmination of years of work and progress to create the modern Ford – a talented, unified organisation capable of scaling high-quality, software-defined vehicles with a choice of propulsion, distinctive digital experiences and features, and a personalised ownership experience that improves over time,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO.By establishing the Product Creation and Industrialisation team, Ford aims to ‘turn its highest‑volume vehicles into platforms for digital growth.’According to the announcement, Ford plans to renew 80 per cent of its North American and 70 per cent of its global model portfolio by 2029. This includes vehicles based on the Universal EV Platform, as well as key US bestsellers such as the next Ford F-150 and the Ford F-Series Super Duty.The models will increasingly feature electrified powertrains. “Nearly 90 per cent of Ford’s global nameplates will offer electrified powertrains by 2030. This will include advanced hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles, and fully electric vehicles,” the company said. However, Ford did not provide a more detailed breakdown.ford.com, electrek.co, reuters.com