Ford will join the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen with a new research and development facility in California’s Silicon Valley.The new facility, due to open in the first half of this year, will be part of the Ford Research and Innovation unit, and will work in partnership with its Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, California. The Blue Oval team will also be working with Microsoft in Redmond, Washington.
Among the projects Ford’s new Bay Area-based team will tackle: Open-source hardware and Apple iPod touch 8 GB (2nd Generation–without iPhone OS 3.1 Software) [Previous Model]” href=”http://www.gtrendnews.com/apple-ipod-touch-8-gb-2nd-generation-without-iphone-os-3-1-software-previous-model/”>software, beginning with its partnership with Bug Labs; utilizing vehicle sensors to enhance real-time data (think windshield wipers activating and informing weather sites when it’s raining); and new business models based around “personal mobility,” something BMW has been actively pursing at its Mountain View, California facility.
The announcement comes right before Ford’s fourth major showing at CES, including another appearance by FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally, where the exec will expand on Ford’s plans for the facility and its next developments with in-car technology. Full details in the press blast below the fold.
