The Future of Transportation: Ford Debuts New Fusion Hybrid

By Cristhian Montero

Imagine driving down the highway having a conversation with your fellow riders. When suddenly the conversation gets animated, and a point must be made that’s too good to be said with your back to your passengers. You want to deliver your point with eye contact and a shower of hand gestures. So, naturally, you press a button to turn on auto pilot, swivel your seat to face your audience, and deliver your point with aplomb.

Although a bit over the top and anecdotal the example above illustrates a small spectrum of the vision Ford Motor Company has for the future. With its Autonomous Vehicle Development program they aim to deliver a fully autonomous SAE Level-4 capable vehicle in high volume by the year 2021. The current climate of the auto industry has car companies floating in between Partial and Conditional Automation, Level 2 and 3 respectively. Levels 4 and 5, which provide High Automation and Full Automation, are reserved to small volume sizes because of the still maturing technology (SAE tops out at 5).

 

Debuting its next-gen Fusion Hybrid autonomous development vehicle early this year, Ford has added improved sensor technology, a refreshed autonomous vehicle platform and virtual driver system to the current model. With decades of technology and research already invested in their vision, Ford has the largest test fleet of any automaker and have plans to triple the size of said fleet. By also partnering with four Silicon Valley startups, thereby doubling their team, they intend to lead the charge in autonomous vehicle development.

The steps Ford is taking to ensure that the future of transportation becomes easier, safer, and healthier, are in the right direction. Whether it is with a simple conversation on the highway, through ride sharing, electric vehicles, or bike sharing, Ford envisions themselves defining the future in the coming decade and wants you, to Go Further.