TAKING THE WHEEL - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1635

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week features Raj Nair, Ford's Group Vice President of Product Development, discussing the company's strategic direction. A significant focus is placed on lightweighting vehicles, with Ford partnering with Dow Chemical to explore structural carbon fiber applications. Nair emphasizes the goal of reducing vehicle weight by an average of 750 lbs across the lineup, utilizing advanced steels, aluminum, and carbon fiber to improve fuel economy and performance. The discussion also touches upon Ford's powertrain strategies, including the success of EcoBoost engines and the company's "Power of Choice" approach, which encompasses electrification (Focus Electric, C-Max Energi, Fusion Energi), plug-in hybrids, and continued development of efficient internal combustion engines. Nair highlights the importance of "fun to drive" as a core Ford DNA element, applicable across all models, not just performance variants. The conversation also delves into the future of autonomous driving, with Ford investing in "traffic jam assist" technology and collaborating with Google, while acknowledging the long road ahead for full autonomy due to environmental volatility and regulatory hurdles.