Under the Ford + plan, as introduced last May by Ford President and CEO Jim Farley, the company will continue its global automotive business evolution with the formation of two distinct divisions.
Ford Model e will focus on the development and growth of electric and digitally connected vehicles, while Ford Blue will be dedicated to both existing and newly developed internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE). Both divisions will tap Ford’s well-established legacy regarding engineering and manufacturing capabilities.
Bill Ford
“This isn’t the first time Ford has reimagined the future and taken our own path,” said Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford. “We have an extraordinary opportunity to lead this thrilling new era of connected and electric vehicles, give our customers the very best of Ford, and help make a real difference for the health of the planet.”
“We have made tremendous progress in a short period of time. We have launched a series of hit products globally and demand for our new EVs like F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E is off the charts,” Farley said. “But our ambition with Ford+ is to become a truly great, world-changing company again, and that requires focus. We are going all in, creating separate but complementary businesses that give us start-up speed and unbridled innovation in Ford Model e together with Ford Blue’s industrial know-how, volume, and iconic brands like Bronco, that start-ups can only dream about.”
The divisional evolution was inspired when Ford recognized the necessity to have diversified approaches, talents and organizations which would allow them to commit fully to the development and manufacturing of both innovative electric and digitally connected vehicles and its legacy ICE nameplates. The formation of the Ford Model e division was prompted in large part by the accomplishments of teams that worked on the Mustang Mach-E SUV and F-150 Lightning pickup, as well as Ford’s already existing China EV division.
Jim Farley
“Ford Model e will be Ford’s center of innovation and growth, a team of the world’s best software, electrical and automotive talent turned loose to create truly incredible electric vehicles and digital experiences for new generations of Ford customers,” Farley said. “Ford Blue’s mission is to deliver a more profitable and vibrant ICE business, strengthen our successful and iconic vehicle families and earn greater loyalty by delivering incredible service and experiences. It’s about harnessing a century of hardware mastery to help build the future. This team will be hellbent on delivering leading quality, attacking waste in every corner of the business, maximizing cash flow and optimizing our industrial footprint.”
Editor’s Note: For more on this topic, Read Ford’s Radical Move to Split the Company Won’t Come Easy
