Ford is set to lead the mobility revolution by redesigning its own business model to focus on delivering autonomous vehicles and high-tech customer service.
At the 2016 Mobile World Congress, Ford announced its business plan to expand the automotive company to become an auto and mobility company. The steady expansion of cities also brings a rise in congestion, gridlock and commuter stress. With transportation services being a rising market that currently churns out double the amount of money than the traditional auto business, auto producers such as Ford are naturally eager to join in and grab their share of the profits. The auto industry needs to change in order to avoid being disrupted by tech companies. Ford disrupted itself by expanding its business model to include the pursuit of new opportunities.
Transportation is on the cusp of a revolution. Mobility is about giving people the freedom to live, work, and play where they want, making their lives better. Programs such as the on-demand car sharing service GoDrive or the pilot program GoPark (which directs you to the closest available parking space) are increasing the flexibility of options available to customers and seeing great growth. Their ultimate goal is to make navigating the city via car a less stressful experience.
Ford is planning for the future
Over the next decade, Ford plans to deliver autonomous cars and vehicles with a wide range of driving assistance features. Most automotive producers are aiming at a level 4 of autonomy for their cars, and full autonomy in defined environments. Ford plans to eventually provide a level 5 autonomy vehicle – fully autonomous in any location or weather conditions. Moreover, driving assist features will be made available on the majority of vehicles produced so that these technologies become common and not just the purview of buyers of luxury vehicles. To this end, they are tripling investments in driving assistance and autonomy technologies.
Customer service is also being reimagined and will benefit from the available mobile technology. Engaging customers is crucial. Traditionally, attracting customers occurrs a year before buying a vehicle and then engagement typically stalled until the next buy. However, Ford plans to move away from this model by developing strategies and programs such as personal mobility assistance through FordPass, an appreciation program through FordGuides Appreciation and even FordHubs where customers can experience innovation. Together, all these shifts will create a veritable mobility revolution, where smartphone technology and transportation vehicles will work in sync to provide the best possible experience.
Source: Mobile World Congress 2016
