AI TRANSPORTATION
AI that knows your car > AI that just guesses
Ford says it will roll out a new AI-powered voice assistant later this year, with more advanced automated driving features planned for the second half of the decade.
Speaking at CES, the company confirmed it aims to launch a hands-free, eyes-off Level 3 driving system in 2028, built on its upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, expected in 2027.
A key part of Ford’s strategy is developing much of the software and hardware in-house.
Rather than building its own AI models or chips, Ford is focusing on smaller, more efficient electronic and computing modules.
The company says this helps lower costs while keeping tighter control over how features are built and deployed.
This shift comes as Ford adjusts its EV and AI plans following weaker-than-expected demand for some electric models and the shutdown of its Argo AI autonomous vehicle programme in 2022.
Instead of fully autonomous vehicles, Ford is now concentrating on Level 2 and Level 3 driver assistance, alongside AI features like voice interaction.
The AI assistant is expected to launch first in Ford and Lincoln mobile apps in 2026, before expanding into vehicles in 2027.
Ford says the assistant will combine general AI capabilities with detailed vehicle data, allowing it to give more accurate, vehicle-specific responses.
The system will integrate Google Gemini but is designed to work with multiple large language models.
Here’s what you should know:
Ford plans an AI voice assistant rollout first, with Level 3 driving targeted for 2028
Much of the core software and hardware is being built in-house to cut costs
The focus is on practical, scalable AI features rather than full autonomy
Built in-house, on purpose
On the driving side, Ford plans to expand its existing BlueCruise system beyond highway use to support point-to-point hands-free driving, including traffic lights and intersections.
The planned Level 3 system would allow drivers to take their eyes off the road in certain situations, while still being ready to take control if needed.
Ford says a redesigned computing architecture underpins these updates.
By reworking how sensors, software, and computing units fit together, the company claims it has reduced costs by around 30% while increasing overall capability.
Rather than chasing maximum processing power, Ford says it is prioritising a balance between performance, cost, and system size.
Does anyone else think new cars suck? - MV