Ford Motor Company today announced it has created Ford Autonomous Vehicles LLC, a new organization charged with accelerating its AV business to capitalize on market opportunities. The company also detailed key organizational changes designed to improve its operational fitness and drive profitable growth.

Ford Motor Company is announcing today the appointment of Laura Merling as vice president, Autonomous Vehicles Solutions, of Ford Smart Mobility LLC, Ford’s subsidiary working to design, build, grow and invest in emerging mobility services. Merling will report to Jim Hackett, Ford Smart Mobility LLC chairman, and be based in Palo Alto, California.

Ford today announces its intent to have a high-volume, fully autonomous SAE level 4-capable vehicle in commercial operation in 2021 in a ride-hailing or ride-sharing service.