Automaker, internet giants developing high-tech vehicles
Ford is partnering with Chinese internet giants to develop connected and autonomous vehicles as part of its commitment to offering better mobility solutions in the country and around the world.
The United Statesheadquartered carmaker announced last week a twoyear project with Baidu to develop and test self-driving vehicles in Beijing. The vehicles involved will meet the Level 4 standard, or mindoff, autonomous driving, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers International.
Ford said the vehicles have already been fitted with the internet company’s autonomous driving system Apollo, and their on-road testing is scheduled to start by the end of this year.
“Working with a leading tech partner like Baidu allows us to leverage new opportunities in China to offer innovative solutions that improve safety, convenience and the overall mobility experience,” Sherif Marakby, president and CEO of Ford’s autonomous vehicles unit, said in a statement.
The project is expected to deepen Ford and Baidu’s existing partnership. Ford is a founding member of the Apollo committee, an advisory group for its autonomous driving open platform.
The two-year project came after an announcement in June that the two companies would explore areas of cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and connectivity.
Ford said it would develop new in-vehicle infotainment systems and digital services for its vehicle owners in China based on Baidu’s voiceinteraction system, DuerOS.
The system will enable car owners to command and communicate with their vehicles using natural language and allow people to easily access information and services that they need in daily life, according to the carmaker.
Ford has also been working closely with Alibaba Group to offer an open, cloud-based platform for connected cars in China.
Enabled by Alibaba Cloud, the Transportation Mobility Cloud will serve as an open, cloud-based platform that provides standardized data and infrastructure for developers to quickly build valueadded software programs that enable drivers and passengers to interact with connected vehicles.
This new software could help deliver a better in-vehicle connectivity and mobility experience for Chinese consumers, such as helping residents plan transit journeys, managing a large-scale fleet for a ride-hailing business, and even routing selfdriving cars on busy streets, Ford said.
The two also agreed to explore new collaboration opportunities in the transportation network and mobility sectors, with the ultimate goal of creating a safer, more efficient and sustainable transportation ecosystem in China.
Ford is also testing cellular vehicle-to-everything technology, which would allow traffic participants and infrastructure to speak the same language in real time, with local partners including Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group and Huawei Technologies.
It conducted tests for the first time on public roads in China in September, as part of an ongoing pilot project in Wuxi, Jiangsu province.
This technology supplements vehicle sensors and enables vehicles, traffic lights and signs, cyclists and pedestrian devices to share information about their status, location and next move.
Ford said the project marks a significant milestone in its contribution to the development of the cellular vehicle-to-everything technology, which will help to reduce congestion and cut road hazards.
The test in China aligns with Ford’s recent work in the US and Europe to produce the synergy that will further boost its progress in this field.
“We are responding to the rapid pace of change by delivering increased connectivity and working to improve and simplify mobility for everyone,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett.
“This builds on our commitment to delivering smart vehicles for a smart world, helping people around the world move more safely, confidently and freely.”
Working with a leading tech partner like Baidu allows us to leverage new opportunities in China to offer innovative solutions...”
Sherif Marakby, president and CEO of Ford’s autonomous vehicles unit