Ford delays the launch of its self-driving robotaxi service until 2022
We’re sorry to say that your weirdly specific dream of driving around in a driverless Ford Fusion is now on hold.
ford
If you’re really on Ford’s introduction of a autonomous “robotaxi” fleet in 2021 – by the way, that’s a really specific kink – then I have lamentable news for you, buddy. It is pushed back by a year.
Why? Of course, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ford made a statement (PDF) on Tuesday with the reasons for deciding to move the service back to 2022:
Given the challenges of the current business environment and the need to assess the long-term impact of COVID-19 on customer behavior, Ford made the decision to postpone the introduction of COVID-19 self-driving services by 2022. Understanding customer behavior is a crucial part of building a new mobility service that is based on trust and makes people’s lives easier.
If that is code for “probably not the best time to ask people to get into random and mostly unattended cars,” then you are probably not far from the truth. Look at the problem Lyft and Uber are at the door during the pandemicand you will have an idea of what Ford would be up against.
Ford’s representative continues: “If we take the time to investigate changes in customer behavior, Ford will have the opportunity to evaluate and possibly change our market launch strategy to meet new customer requirements. that the customer experience we build gives people the certainty that they or their packages are in a safe and secure environment in our vehicles. “
Ford also announced a $ 2 billion loss for the second quarter, and that is its luxury brand Lincoln Cancellation of a planned SUV in Rivian. But that doesn’t mean that Ford has completely hung up his hat. The market launch of the first dedicated electric vehicle – the Mustang Mach E. – and reinterpreted it Bronco SUV.
Look at that:
Ford gets a new CEO with experience as a self-driver
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