Here’s What It Takes to Build a Self-Driving Business — And Where We Stand Today

By Sherif Marakby, CEO, Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC

When discussing self-driving cars, the question that most often comes up is about when they will take to the streets. While that is important, there’s so much required for wide-scale deployment beyond just having the self-driving vehicle itself.

Aside from delivering safe and reliable technology, what does it take to operate a successful self-driving vehicle service, especially one that customers want to use and makes their lives better? And one that is a profitable business that also benefits the community?

These aren’t questions we’re willing to put off until some later date. In fact, we’ve been thinking about them for a long time. We want our self-driving vehicles to solve real-world problems with levels of accessibility, affordability and convenience that aren’t possible now.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.