Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering team explores new vehicle and societal innovations that require some level of invention before they can be applied to our products and services. The team is building on a history of Ford innovation, including our invention of the three-way catalytic converter to modernize vehicle emissions controls in the 1970s and the world’s first rear inflatable seat belts in 2010.

Today, we are exploring and delivering ways to make smarter vehicles and our transportation system more efficient to improve people’s lives by helping them move more freely, safely and enjoyably. For example, we are constantly looking for new ways to advance our connected vehicles that help people minimize distractions while driving and using their smartphones through easy-to-use voice controls. We also are investing significantly to electrify our iconic vehicles to simultaneously reduce emissions while providing more of what our customers love and need – from better performance in the all-electric Mustang Mach-E utility vehicle to increased towing in an electric F-150 pickup.

One of our biggest challenges since Henry Ford put the world on wheels more than 115 years ago is developing autonomous vehicles(AV) that we will begin rolling out relatively soon and will change the way the world moves. This is not just a technological challenge, which is why we also are building a sustainable AV business that we will scale city to city to improve the movement of people and goods through an intuitive, enjoyable and trusted experience. After all, Henry Ford did not invent the automobile rather he created a sustainable manufacturing business so he could make vehicles affordable for millions while building a successful, enduring business.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification; mobility solutions, including self-driving services; and connected services.  Ford employs approximately 187,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 45,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 58,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 18 manufacturing facilities (12 wholly owned facilities and six unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.