JCHLi

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Now everyone, let's welcome Doug by all asking him the following questions:

1. Have you seen my OTA?
2. Why haven't I got my OTA yet?
3. Where is my early access to my OTA?
4. Why did so-in-so get an OTA and I didn't?
5. Have you seen my stapler?
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garfieldorlando

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Obviously Doug will be responsible mainly for software side, where Ford is really lagging behind. Really glad to see Ford recognizing the issue and make the quick move. Waiting for real OTAs!
 

Jeffvisor

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https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2021/09/07/doug-field.html

FORD NAMES DOUG FIELD CHIEF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS OFFICER

Doug-Field-portrait.jpg


  • Doug Field joins Ford as chief advanced technology and embedded systems officer, reporting to President and CEO Jim Farley
  • Field will partner closely with Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer, to create the next generation of Ford’s connected products and experiences at the foundation of the Ford+ growth plan
  • Field will lead Ford’s efforts to develop the next-gen Blue Oval Intelligence tech stack to deliver smart, connected vehicles and services that improve over time through constant updates. He and his team will be responsible for delivering delightful, intuitive and always-on experiences for customers
  • He will oversee the company’s Embedded Software and Hardware organization currently consisting of Vehicle Controls, Enterprise Connectivity, Features, Integration & Validation, Architecture & Platform, Driver Assistance Technology and Digital Engineering Tools
  • Most recently VP, Special Products, at Apple, Field also has held key leadership positions at Tesla and Segway
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 7, 2021 – Ford Motor Company today named Doug Field as the company’s chief advanced technology and embedded systems officer as it continues to advance its Ford+ growth plan.

Field joins Ford from Apple, where he served as VP, Special Projects. Before that, he was senior vice president, Engineering, at Tesla. His appointment to Ford is effective today, and he reports to Ford President and CEO Jim Farley.

“Doug is one of the world’s most respected engineering and product design leaders and has been a driving force behind breakthrough products across auto, tech and mobility, including at Apple, Tesla and Segway,” Farley said. “His talent and commitment to innovation that improves customers’ lives will be invaluable as we build out our Ford+ plan to deliver awesome products, always-on customer relationships and ever-improving user experiences. We are thrilled Doug chose to join Ford and help write the next amazing chapter of this great company.”

Field will lead Ford’s Embedded Software and Hardware organization currently consisting of Vehicle Controls, Enterprise Connectivity, Features, Integration & Validation, Architecture & Platform, Driver Assistance Technology and Digital Engineering Tools. This includes:

  • Leading design, development and implementation of the Blue Oval Intelligence tech stack for Ford, Lincoln and Ford Pro products to create intuitive, always-on experiences for customers
  • Delivering customer-facing attributes, technologies and features, such as infotainment, navigation, driver-assist technology, connected services and vehicle cybersecurity
  • Developing scalable technology platforms that can be deployed across Ford global products
  • Leading and managing relationships with key technology partners and the digital developer ecosystem
  • Leading Ford Power-Up over-the-air updates to delight customers, improve quality and reduce costs
“I’m thrilled to be joining Ford as it embraces a transition to a new, complex and fascinating period in the auto industry,” Field said. “It will be a privilege to help Ford deliver a new generation of experiences built on the shift to electrification, software and digital experiences, and autonomy. I’m committed to helping the team make those experiences seamless, delightful and continually advancing over time.”

Field will partner closely with Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer, to create the next generation of Ford’s connected products and experiences. Thai-Tang will continue to oversee Product Development, Purchasing, Design, Research & Advanced Engineering, EPLM / D-Ford, Advanced Manufacturing and Ford Ion Park.

“Doug’s track record of innovation and expertise with embedded systems will help Ford accelerate the development and implementation of our Blue Oval Intelligence tech stack,” Thai-Tang said. “I’m excited to partner with and learn from Doug as we bring our Ford+ plan to life.”

For Field, this marks a return to Ford where he began his career as a development engineer from 1987 to 1993.

“I’ve always felt a deep connection to Ford. Ford products have been in my life as long as I can remember – F-150s on my dad’s farm, a ’65 Continental picking us up at my wedding and my thrill when I discovered the brilliant elegance in the design of the Model T,” Field said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help the team build the next generation of iconic Ford vehicles and prepare Ford for the next hundred years.”

Field said his learnings and approach – developed over decades of product development across auto, mobility and tech sectors – will inform his work at Ford.

“There is a set of common principles that unite companies building world-changing products,” he said. “A fundamentals approach to engineering, grounded in physics. A relentless pursuit of excellence in everything they do. An integrated way of thinking about all the disciplines that come together when developing new products. And a sensitivity to design, and why customers fall in love with products and brands. I am lucky enough to have worked in teams and companies that embody these principles, and I know they will be a part of building great products and experiences at Ford.”
This is really good news just what they need. Software will mean so much to cars future its good they have someone who understands that and will leap them forward.
 

kdryden99

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Here's the problem, whatever they develop might be better than what we have and there's no guarantee we might get it.
 


BMT1071

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Here's the problem, whatever they develop might be better than what we have and there's no guarantee we might get it.
I guess that is technically true. Do you have any evidence to support the position that our cars will not receive updates?
 

kdryden99

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Odds of getting what they develop >>>> Odds of Habs winning the cup
:p
LOL ooof I won't respond to that one
I guess that is technically true. Do you have any evidence to support the position that our cars will not receive updates?
No of course not, but we already know that Ford plans to go away from the current sync platform in a couple of years, so work has most likely begun on the next version of sync. I love my car, and use it as it is. I don't use paak and I have been very happy with the car, I have a had a few software glitches but nothing to really complain about. I was expecting a major update by now, especially since the frunk release was supposed to be released in July. I also wasn't planning on going for the recall since I don't use PAAK but I was expecting this via OTA sooner rather than later. So far we haven't seen much of any real significant update via OTA so to bet on us receiving any Major new release via update just seems realistic. I just want to temper ppls expectations. Enjoy the car as it is but dont be surprised if our current cars don't profit from this hiring
 

OlyPen

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As a .gover, I don't fear losing my job, but I do fear for it. There are ways to make a job hell in this world.

Also, the three biggest problems in government are the employees, management and the public. No one ever owns that last one for some reason.
I think *someone* misinterpreted “government of the people, by the people, for the people”... I don't see the public mentioned in that quote at all. ??? The people couldn't possibly be a problem!
 

FordMachEGo

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This is really good news just what they need. Software will mean so much to cars future its good they have someone who understands that and will leap them forward.
I think this is fantastic news. The best news on this front that I’ve heard in a long time. This type of hire is exactly what’s needed and a very good first step. Sure it’ll take some time, but at least it’s a move in the right direction. Good move Ford!
 

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I guess that is technically true. Do you have any evidence to support the position that our cars will not receive updates?
Ford is switching over to using the android os for 2023 and gave no definite answer it that any existing sync 4 Mach-e would be upgraded to that change, so I wouldn't hold your breath that the sync 4 based system would be where the focus on any software improvements will be taking place.
 

Jiji

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I wish him the best, it can be a hard job to turn an entrenched culture around.

Seeing this reminded me of an interesting series on the subject so I thought I would post a link (this one is on the software challenges of next-gen automobile manufacturing But others related to EVs as well).

https://link.medium.com/WinkaAY6mjb
 

TruWrecks

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Hopefully Field's will help get the OTA's to the field faster with less fear from Ford!
 

fightinag

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Can he build Mach e's ?
 

BMT1071

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LOL ooof I won't respond to that one

No of course not, but we already know that Ford plans to go away from the current sync platform in a couple of years, so work has most likely begun on the next version of sync. I love my car, and use it as it is. I don't use paak and I have been very happy with the car, I have a had a few software glitches but nothing to really complain about. I was expecting a major update by now, especially since the frunk release was supposed to be released in July. I also wasn't planning on going for the recall since I don't use PAAK but I was expecting this via OTA sooner rather than later. So far we haven't seen much of any real significant update via OTA so to bet on us receiving any Major new release via update just seems realistic. I just want to temper ppls expectations. Enjoy the car as it is but dont be surprised if our current cars don't profit from this hiring
I don't interpret the slower than expected roll out of OTA updates to be an indication that they aren't coming at all.
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