Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Ford to Focus on Trucks, EVs, Connectivity

Ford Motor Co.'s new leader wants to shift investment into trucks and electrified vehicles and reduce costs and investment in sedans and internal combustion engines, Chief Executive Officer Jim Hackett said Tuesday.

by Staff
October 3, 2017
Ford to Focus on Trucks, EVs, Connectivity

Photo of CEO Jim Hackett courtesy of Ford.

2 min to read


Photo of CEO Jim Hackett courtesy of Ford.

Ford Motor Co.'s new leader wants to shift investment into trucks and electrified vehicles and reduce costs and investment in sedans and internal combustion engines, Chief Executive Officer Jim Hackett said Tuesday.

The company is also pursuing global partnerships in manufacturing and mobility to share the expense of developing new technology, including self-driving cars and battery-electric vehicles for China.

Ad Loading...

Ford plans to reduce costs by 50% through 2022 by eliminating $14 billion, including $10 billion in material cost reductions and $4 billion in engineering costs by using more common parts, reducing order complexity, and building fewer prototypes, according to the company.

Hackett, who became president and CEO on May 22, laid out his plan for investors in New York City on Oct. 3. Hackett said he has set a long-term goal of an 8% automotive operating margin.

Ford will shift $7 billion in capital from cars to SUVs and trucks, including the Ranger and EcoSport in North America and the Bronco globally. Ford will build the next-generation Focus for North America in China to reduce costs. Ford is also planning to reduce internal combustion engine expenditures by one-third, and shift those savings into electrification in addition to the $4.5 billion already allocated.

Vehicle connectivity has become a key plank in the plan, as Ford plans to install 4G LTE modems by 2019. By 2020, 90% of Ford's global vehicles will be connected.

Ford will also continue to develop partnerships. Ford is exploring an alliance with Mahindra Group in India and may partner with Zoyte to develop low-cost battery-electric vehicles for China. The company has also partnered with Lyft and Domino's Pizza to research the customer experience of delivery services.

Ad Loading...

Ford has also set up an internal team known as "Team Edison" as it begins rolling out 13 electrified vehicles in the next five years.

More Global Fleet

Cover of a whitepaper titled “The Hidden Costs of Departmentally Assigned Vehicles on Your Fleet” featuring a black fleet vehicle driving on a road at sunset. Subheadline reads: “Discover how your fleet can reduce costs and minimize risk by implementing vehicle sharing.” The document focuses on fleet optimization, vehicle sharing, cost reduction, utilization tracking, and risk management for fleet operations.
SponsoredMay 13, 2026

Why Fleet Managers Are Replacing Departmental Vehicles with Shared Motor Pools

Departmentally assigned vehicles often create hidden costs through underutilization, poor visibility, and increased administrative burden. This white paper explores how shared motor pool strategies help fleets reduce costs, improve accountability, and optimize vehicle utilization.

Read More →
Cover image for the “5th Annual Market Pulse Report” by Element titled “Navigating fleet management in 2026: Data and insights shaping the future of fleet and mobility.” The design features an aerial view of a cable-stayed bridge with vehicles traveling on a highway beside a dense green forest. A teal graphic panel overlays the lower portion of the image, with the Element logo and tagline “Intelligence in motion” at the bottom.
SponsoredMay 6, 2026

Fleet Costs Are Rising: Here’s How Leaders Are Responding

Fleet leaders are under pressure to reduce costs, adapt to economic uncertainty, and make smarter decisions. See how peers across North America are responding with real data, proven strategies, and forward-looking insights. Download the 2026 Market Pulse Report to benchmark your strategy and uncover where you can gain an edge.

Read More →
A world graphic of workers holding hands surrounds a globe with a line of cars on top, representing Global Fleets.
Global Fleetby News/Media ReleaseOctober 30, 2025

Enterprise Fleet Management Surpasses 900,000 Vehicles in U.S. & Canada

Enterprise Mobility connects with mobility solutions around the globe

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredOctober 14, 2025

Automotive Fleet's Guide to Fleet Electrification

Unlock the secrets to a successful transition to electric fleets with Automotive Fleet's comprehensive Fleet Electrification Guide!

Read More →
Two people pose with a sign symbolizing Viaduct's partnership with SRI.
Global Fleetby Chris BrownSeptember 8, 2025

Sumitomo Rubber Industries to Acquire Viaduct

Viaduct will join Sumitomo as an independent subsidiary. Partnership strengthens global reach and accelerates AI-driven innovation for fleets and manufacturing.

Read More →
A presenter speaks on stage at a conference, addressing an audience seated at round tables, with large screens displaying presentation slides in the background.
Global FleetAugust 11, 2025

AfMA’s 2025 Education & Leadership Summit: 26 Years of Impactful Connection

Held in Sydney, the Australasian Fleet Management Association’s 2025 Summit marked ten years of growth as the event expanded its global reach and doubled down on practical, non-commercial fleet leadership programming.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic of awards announcement
Global Fleetby StaffJune 6, 2025

Closing Soon! Nominate a 2025 Global Fleet Team of the Year

Submit your nomination for the award that honors outstanding multinational fleet teams. Nominations close Aug. 15.

Read More →
A graphic with cars driving past in the background with motion blur. Text reads "Reducing Preventable Accidents".
Global FleetNovember 26, 2024

Seven Strategies to Reduce Preventable Accidents

“Accidents” suggest inevitability, but most crashes are preventable — caused by driver actions and behaviors. Here’s why shifting the narrative can improve road safety.

Read More →
Four people sitting on stage doing presentation.
Global Fleetby Chris BrownNovember 6, 2024

2024 Global Fleet Conference in Photos

Check out photos from the first two days of the 2024 Global Fleet Conference, which convened for the first time in San Diego Nov. 4-6 as part of the new Fleet Week series of conferences.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A black and blue graphic with a business portrait of Colin Sutherland, with text detailing his interview with Chris Brown.
Global Fleetby StaffOctober 17, 2024

Inside the 2024 Global Fleet Conference: Insights from Bobit CEO Colin Sutherland

With GFC joining Fleet Forward and Fleet Safety Conferences, attendees can engage in essential discussions on procurement, ESG goals, and safety.

Read More →