Ford CEO Jim Hackett told investors during the company’s Q1 2019 earnings call that the automaker intends to deploy upwards of 100 driverless vehicles by the end of 2019 and begin testing in a new city.
CEO Jim Hackett, along with several senior executives, outlined a new strategy for Ford on Tuesday that is aimed at making the automaker more competitive and profitable.
Analysts have pressed Ford executives for more financial details on the future technologies it is investing in and better clarity on how they will deliver the 20 percent margins forecast by former chief executive Mark Fields.
David Kirsch said Ford will need its new chief executive to stay in the future as car manufacturers morph into technology companies during the next 10 to 20 years.
Jim Hackett’s appointment as CEO signals major changes for Ford in terms of telematics, connectivity and automation—all of which should be noted by the collision repair industry.
Hackett has overseen Ford Smart Mobility, which was formed in 2016 as an effort to accelerate the company’s metamorphosis into an auto and mobility company.
