Key Takeaways
- Ford is creating a new end‑to‑end organization, Product Creation and Industrialization, to accelerate its Ford+ strategy and reach an 8 % adjusted EBIT margin by 2029.
- The initiative will refresh 80 % of North American and 70 % of global vehicle volume by 2029, leveraging the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform for efficiency, affordability, and digital growth.
- By 2030, 90 % of Ford’s vehicles will feature updated electrical architectures, in‑house user experiences, and over‑the‑air update capability, supporting expanded electrification and future Level 3 autonomous driving.
- Leadership changes include COO Kumar Galhotra heading the new org, Doug Field’s departure after five years, Alan Clarke’s promotion to lead Advanced Development Projects, and the retirement of Kieran Cahill after 37 years in manufacturing.
- Forward‑looking statements highlight risks such as supply‑chain constraints, regulatory shifts, cybersecurity threats, and market competition that could affect Ford’s ability to meet its targets.
Ford Forms New End‑to‑End Organization
Ford Motor Company announced on April 15, 2026 the establishment of Product Creation and Industrialization, a unified structure that merges its Electric Vehicle, Digital and Design teams with the global Industrial System. The move is intended to streamline decision‑making, reduce complexity, and scale high‑quality, software‑defined vehicles across all propulsion types. COO Kumar Galhotra will lead the organization, which is positioned as a critical lever for achieving the Ford+ plan’s financial and technological goals, including an 8 % adjusted EBIT margin by 2029. By integrating advanced technology with world‑class engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing, Ford aims to deliver vehicles and digital experiences that meet customer and shareholder expectations more efficiently.
Delivering Value Through Scale and Services
The new organization will enable Ford to turn its highest‑volume vehicles into platforms for digital growth. A core element is a massive portfolio renewal: by 2029 Ford expects to refresh 80 % of its North American volume and 70 % of its global volume. This refresh includes the inaugural vehicle built on the Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform—a mid‑sized pickup—as well as the next‑generation F‑150 and F‑Series Super Duty. The UEV platform is described as a step‑change in efficiency, affordability, and digital capability, featuring an ultra‑efficient powertrain, a fully zonal architecture with in‑house software controls, and advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS). Its design utilizes “unicastings” to cut weight and complexity, paving the way for a more efficient assembly process and serving as a test‑bed for modernizing Ford’s global development systems, from CAD tools to physics‑based cost modeling.
The “Skunkworks” Breakthrough – UEV Platform
The UEV project originated from Ford’s Advanced Electric Vehicle Development team, often referred to as a “skunkworks” group that operates with considerable autonomy to innovate before full industrialization. This approach has already produced high‑efficiency motors that will benefit future hybrid vehicles and established Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery engineering expertise, which now underpins Ford Energy’s stationary storage business. By bringing in suppliers outside the traditional automotive sphere, the UEV program is expanding Ford’s technological base while reducing reliance on legacy supply chains. The platform’s flexible architecture supports multiple battery chemistries and vehicle types, positioning Ford to adapt quickly to evolving market demands and regulatory environments.
Always‑Improving Experiences and Electrification Targets
Looking ahead to 2030, Ford aims for 90 % of its vehicles by volume to incorporate updated electrical architectures, in‑house developed user experiences and hardware, and next‑generation over‑the‑air (OTA) capabilities. This foundation will enable continuous improvement of features such as BlueCruise (ADAS) and the Ford Digital Experience, creating a scalable path toward future Level 3 autonomous driving. In parallel, Ford plans that nearly 90 % of its global nameplates will offer electrified powertrains by 2030, spanning advanced hybrids, extended‑range electric vehicles, and battery‑electric models. The UEV platform’s breakthroughs in motor efficiency and LFP battery technology are expected to accelerate this electrification rollout while also supporting Ford Energy’s growth in stationary storage solutions.
Leadership: Kumar Galhotra Heads the New Org
Kumar Galhotra, Ford’s Chief Operating Officer, will assume leadership of the Product Creation and Industrialization organization. He emphasized that the integration of advanced technology with industrial execution will allow faster decision‑making, elimination of unnecessary complexity, and delivery of vehicles and digital experiences that meet the quality and efficiency expectations of customers and shareholders. Galhotra noted that recent progress in quality, cost, and software delivery has reshaped Ford’s working methods, positioning the company for a new era of scalable, software‑defined mobility.
Doug Field’s Departure After Five Years
Doug Field, who joined Ford nearly five years ago as chief EV, digital, and design officer, has elected to leave the company following a transition period next month. During his tenure, Field embedded high‑tech capabilities into Ford, built a world‑class team, and fostered a culture of first‑principles thinking and relentless questioning of constraints. He played a pivotal role in bridging the Electric Vehicle, Digital & Design, and Industrial System teams, making the current full integration possible. Field expressed confidence in Ford’s technology strategy, highlighting the imminent production of the first UEV‑based mid‑size pickup and the solidified hardware, software, and electrification plans across the lineup. He intends to share the lessons learned from his experiences at Apple, Tesla, and Ford in his next professional chapter.
Alan Clarke Promoted to Lead Advanced Development Projects
In conjunction with the organizational changes, Alan Clarke has been named vice president, Advanced Development Projects. Clarke will continue to lead the California‑based Advanced Electric Vehicle Development team that originated the UEV platform. The “skunkworks” model—small, autonomous teams of world‑class engineers tasked with breakthrough innovation before industrialization—has proven highly effective for Ford, and the company plans to leverage this approach for select future programs. Clarke’s promotion underscores Ford’s commitment to nurturing internal innovation hubs that can swiftly translate cutting‑edge concepts into producible technologies.
Kieran Cahill Retires After 37‑Year Manufacturing Career
Kieran Cahill, vice president, manufacturing, Europe and IMG, is retiring effective May 1 after a 37‑year career at Ford. Throughout his tenure, Cahill championed manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement, overseeing some of the company’s most innovative and best‑performing plants. COO Kumar Galhotra praised Cahill’s leadership in transforming Ford’s manufacturing operations across critical global sites, establishing quality and efficiency benchmarks that now guide the entire organization. The company wishes him well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.
Ford+ Plan and Company Overview
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) remains a global enterprise headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, dedicated to enabling freedom of movement and pursuit of dreams. Its Ford+ plan combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always‑on customer relationships to enrich experiences and deepen loyalty. The strategy is organized around three customer‑centered business segments: Ford Blue (gas‑powered and hybrid vehicles), Ford Model e (breakthrough electric vehicles with embedded software defining always‑on digital experiences), and Ford Pro (tailored vehicles and services for commercial customers). Ford also provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and employs roughly 169,000 people worldwide. More information is available at corporate.ford.com.
Cautionary Note on Forward‑Looking Statements
The release contains forward‑looking statements concerning Ford’s future performance, including the achievement of the Ford+ plan, cost competitiveness, product quality, supply‑chain stability, labor and regulatory factors, cybersecurity risks, and market acceptance of new technologies. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks such as supplier shortages, labor disputes, natural or man‑made disasters, evolving privacy and AI regulations, credit market fluctuations, and potential litigation. Actual results may differ materially, and Ford does not undertake to update these statements except as required by law. Investors should consult the “Item 1A. Risk Factors” section in Ford’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31 2025, as updated by subsequent filings, for a detailed discussion of these risks.