The previous executive from Tesla and Apple joined the automaker five years prior to lead its EV and software initiatives.
The previous executive from Tesla and Apple joined the automaker five years prior to lead its EV and software initiatives.
Ford is making significant changes concerning its EV and software divisions. Doug Field, who departed Apple five years ago to lead Ford’s ambitious investment in electric vehicles and software, will resign next month. Alan Clarke, a former Tesla engineer currently overseeing Ford’s California-based skunkworks lab, will receive a promotion. Clarke’s new role will be vice president of advanced development projects, continuing his leadership on the development of Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform.
This restructuring occurs less than five months after Ford declared a substantial $19.5 billion writedown on its EV endeavors and the cancellation of several electric models, including the F-150 Lightning pickup truck. The company has abandoned its plans to develop a next-generation electric truck, named T3, and an electric commercial van. Instead, Ford will shift its focus towards hybrids and its present range of gas-powered trucks and SUVs as it persists in advancing its UEV platform, which aims to support a complete family of affordable EVs, starting with a $30,000 midsize truck in 2027.
Ford has announced the formation of a new “end-to-end organization” designated as Product Creation and Integration, aimed at optimizing its existing vehicle platforms for “digital advancements.” This team, to be led by Ford’s COO, Kumar Galhotra, will be tasked with expanding the automaker’s vehicle and digital product offerings across the enterprise.
During a media session, Ford CEO Jim Farley commended Field for assembling a competent team that has enhanced Ford’s technological prowess. Field mentioned that he has not yet determined his next steps. When queried if it was poorly timed to depart prior to the UEV platform entering production, Field expressed satisfaction in “passing the baton” to the industrial and manufacturing teams at the company.
“This is actually a timely moment, as I joined Ford to collaborate with those knowledgeable about large-scale industrialization,” Field remarked. “The product has achieved a maturity level where I fully rely on the experts at Ford—those capable of advancing it to a factory like Kentucky, producing it in high volume, building it to the highest standards, and keeping it economically viable. This is precisely why this transitional phase is an appropriate time for me to pass on the responsibilities and the leadership.”
Farley detailed various forthcoming changes within Ford, including plans to refresh 80 percent of its North American vehicle range and 70 percent of its global range by 2029. These modifications will encompass new electric frameworks, improved interior experiences, heightened automation levels, and a new generation of integrated services and software products. He also stated that by the decade’s end, 90 percent of Ford’s vehicles will incorporate entirely new electric architectures, including zonal and partially zonal systems.
Field’s departure marks another hurdle in Ford’s long-standing mission to convert its vehicles from traditional gas-guzzlers to modern, digitally adept electric vehicles. Upon his hiring, Tesla was the only car manufacturer boasting a swift, seamless, and gratifying software experience. Traditional automakers like Ford could only observe with jealousy as Elon Musk’s enterprise released monthly over-the-air updates that impressed and satisfied the large customer base. Ford aspired for this experience, prompting the hiring of Field to spearhead the initiative. Besides managing Apple’s covert automotive project, Field held the position of chief engineer at Tesla, overseeing the design of the Model 3.
During Field’s tenure, Ford introduced a range of new features, including its well-received BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist system. Furthermore, The Ford Digital Experience, along with the new Android-based infotainment system, which facilitates rather than hinders smartphone mirroring, was launched. The company also initiated its skunkworks endeavor for designing its next-generation electric vehicles.
However, there were challenges along the way. Ford abandoned its expensive next-generation electrical framework, dubbed FNV4 (for fully networked vehicle). This platform incurred significant costs, contributing to a $5 billion loss on EVs and software in 2024, yet it was a crucial component in enhancing Ford’s software experience. At that time, Field stated it was more economical to modify Ford’s third-generation framework—FNV3, which is now rebranded as FNV3.X—across the full lineup than to construct a new platform with a narrower application.
This is not the first instance of Ford pursuing organizational adjustments to enhance its financial standing. In 2022, the company divided its entire operation into two distinct entities: one centered on electric vehicles, labeled Model e, and another named Ford Blue, which focuses on gas-powered trucks and SUVs.
Correction, April 15th: A prior version inaccurately described Alan Clarke’s promotion. He is not taking over Doug Field’s position as chief officer of EVs, digital, and design, but is assuming a new role as vice president for advanced development projects.
