Ford drops plan to build Tesla-like “brain of modern cars”: Reuters

Ford has discontinued its project to build “the brain of modern cars”, which is said to be a next-generation electrical architecture, Reuters reported. The update came as a setback for the automobile company, which was intending to compete with Tesla’s electric car 

In an attempt to comprehensively streamline vehicle-software functioning, cut costs and improve features, Ford was investing in FNV4 (for fully-networked vehicle) network.

According to Reuters, the project was killed due to the delays and inflated costs. The company is reported to continue its focus on delivering advanced electrical architecture with its “skunkworks team” and has reported to absorb the learning derived from the FNV4 project, the report added.

The team, headquartered in California, is entrusted with creating cutting-edge software and reasonably priced electric cars.

Further, citing a Ford spokesperson, Reuters reported, "We are committed to delivering fully connected vehicle experiences across our entire lineup, regardless of powertrain, while many others in the industry are bringing the most advanced tech only to electric vehicles,”.

Doug Field, a former executive of Apple and Tesla who joined Ford in 2021, was given the task of finishing FNV4 by Ford CEO Jim Farley. Field earned $15.5 million last year, making him one of the company's highest earners.

While EV companies such as Rivian and Tesla have developed their own software from the ground up, traditional automakers have found it difficult to change their more expensive and complex software systems, which incorporate computer code from numerous suppliers. For instance, a supplier that manufactures a power-operated seat for Ford usually supplies and manages the code related to its operation. The complexity of the code created by all the systems and electronics in an automobile makes it challenging for the automaker to provide software upgrades on time.

Ford's next-generation software was designed to be a "zonal" system, where a bigger central brain communicates with bundles of smaller software brains that regulate the operations of specific car components. Such a technology enables faster over-the-air updates and reduces the length of the costly car wiring harnesses.

Additionally, these sophisticated systems offer chances to persuade drivers to purchase software-enabled services, such as assisted-driving systems, occasionally through subscriptions. In 2023, John Lawler, the former CEO and vice chair of Ford, stated that FNV4 may speed up and boost the quantity of services offered on each car sold.