Ford has set up a new end-to-end division called Product Creation and Industrialisation, combining its electric vehicle, digital and design operations with its global industrial system.
The announcement came alongside the news that Doug Field, Ford’s EV chief, is leaving the company next month.
Ford said the revised structure is designed to help deliver its “Ford+” strategy, which includes a goal of reaching an adjusted EBIT margin of 8% by 2029.
The new organisation will be headed by chief operating officer Kumar Galhotra.
Ford said it aims to renew 80% of its North American portfolio by volume and 70% of its global portfolio by volume by 2029.
Among the planned launches are the first model based on its universal electric vehicle (UEV) platform, identified as a mid-sized pickup, alongside the next-generation F-150 and F-Series Super Duty.
Ford president and CEO Jim Farley said: “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.
“Doug has been an invaluable partner for me as CEO and helped Ford find its place in this new era of electric propulsion and software-defined vehicles,” Farley added.
“He not only assembled a brilliant team from across industries but also elevated our culture by teaching first-principles thinking and instilling the discipline to question constraints and eliminate complexity. His influence will be felt for years to come.”
Field commented: “I am honoured to have been a part of leading Ford during an unprecedented period of technology and market disruption. 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.”
According to Ford, the UEV platform was created by its advanced electric vehicle development team in California and is intended to underpin future vehicle and technology programmes.
The company said the platform includes an “ultra-efficient” powertrain, a fully zonal architecture with in-house software controls and ADAS, and the use of unicastings intended to reduce weight and complexity.
Ford also said that by 2030, 90% of its vehicles by volume are expected to have updated electrical architectures, in-house developed user experiences and hardware, and next-generation over-the-air capabilities.
In addition, the company said close to 90% of its global nameplates will offer electrified powertrains by 2030, including advanced hybrids, extended-range electric vehicles and fully electric vehicles.
As part of the management changes, Alan Clarke has been appointed vice president, advanced development projects, while continuing to lead the advanced electric vehicle development team.
In a separate change, Kieran Cahill, vice president, manufacturing, Europe and IMG, will retire on 1 May, bringing a 37-year career at Ford to a close.
