Ford Motor Company is reshaping its internal structure as it prepares for one of the biggest product offensives in its recent history. The automaker has launched a new end-to-end Product Creation and Industrialization organization, combining its electric vehicle, digital and design operations with its global industrial system.
The move is designed to help Ford accelerate development, improve efficiency, and scale software-defined vehicles across its lineup. It also supports the company’s broader Ford+ strategy, including its goal of reaching an 8% adjusted EBIT margin by 2029.
Ford says the reorganization is the result of several years of work to modernize the company for an era defined by electrification, connected technologies, and digital ownership experiences.
Ford’s latest restructuring signals a deeper push to compete in an automotive market increasingly shaped by software, electrification and faster development cycles.
Ford targets massive portfolio renewal by 2029
A key part of Ford’s new strategy is an aggressive product renewal plan. By 2029, the company expects to refresh 80% of its North American portfolio by volume and 70% of its global portfolio.
This product wave will include:
– the first production model based on Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle platform,
– a new mid-size electric pickup,
– the next-generation F-150,
– updated F-Series Super Duty models.
The goal is to make Ford’s highest-volume vehicles more flexible platforms for software, services and recurring digital revenue.
Universal EV platform to underpin Ford’s next-generation EVs
Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform is central to its future EV strategy. The company says the new architecture is designed to improve affordability, efficiency and digital functionality.
The platform features an ultra-efficient powertrain, fully zonal electrical architecture, in-house software controls, and advanced driver assistance systems. It is also designed to support multiple battery chemistries and body styles.
One of the most notable engineering changes is Ford’s use of “unicastings,” which help reduce vehicle weight and manufacturing complexity. This should streamline assembly and improve cost efficiency.
Beyond the vehicles themselves, Ford says the UEV program is helping modernize its wider engineering systems, including advanced CAD tools and physics-based cost modeling. Lessons from the program are expected to reduce costs across Ford’s broader lineup.
Ford plans more connected and upgradable vehicles
By 2030, Ford expects 90% of its vehicles by volume to feature updated electrical architectures, in-house user experiences, and next-generation over-the-air update capabilities.
This would allow the company to expand digital features faster, including wider rollout of BlueCruise, more connected in-car services and support for future Level 3 autonomous driving technologies.
Ford’s strategy increasingly focuses on keeping vehicles updated over time, improving the ownership experience long after delivery.
Electrification remains at the center of Ford’s long-term plan
Electrification remains a core pillar of Ford’s roadmap. By 2030, nearly 90% of Ford’s global nameplates are expected to offer some form of electrified powertrain.
That includes advanced hybrids, extended-range EVs and fully electric vehicles.
Ford says its UEV program has already helped deliver important breakthroughs, including more efficient electric motors that could benefit future hybrids. The company has also developed stronger Lithium Iron Phosphate battery engineering capabilities, which now support its stationary energy business, Ford Energy.
Doug Field exits, Kumar Galhotra to lead new integrated division
Kumar Galhotra will lead the new Product Creation and Industrialization organization.
Under his leadership, Ford plans to better align advanced software and EV technologies with engineering, purchasing and manufacturing operations. The company believes this will improve decision-making speed, reduce complexity and help bring new products to market faster.
Doug Field will leave Ford after a transition period next month.
Field joined Ford nearly five years ago and played a major role in the company’s shift toward electrified, connected and software-defined vehicles. His tenure included building Ford’s advanced EV and software teams and helping establish the collaborative structure that made this latest integration possible.
Before Ford, Field held senior roles at Apple and Tesla, giving him deep experience in product development during major industry transitions.
Ford CEO Jim Farley credited Field with helping build Ford’s modern software and EV foundation, saying his influence will continue to shape the company in the years ahead.
Ford has also promoted Alan Clarke to vice president of Advanced Development Projects. Clarke will continue leading Ford’s advanced EV development team, which has operated under a “skunkworks” model focused on breakthrough innovation.
Meanwhile, Kieran Cahill will retire effective May 1 after a 37-year career.
Cahill played a major role in improving manufacturing performance across Ford’s global operations, helping set new standards for quality and efficiency.
