Galothra acknowledged the need to address the company’s cost competitiveness, emphasizing the reduction of material and structural costs. Ford is benchmarking its competition and collaborating with suppliers to lower the bill-of-material costs. This multipronged approach aims to enhance the overall cost-effectiveness of Ford’s vehicles.
In terms of the product life cycle, Ford Blue intends to extend the lifespans of vehicle platforms, while also reducing spending on sheet metal. Galothra explained that the focus on software allows for longer product lifecycles and the potential for multiple facelifts during a vehicle’s lifetime. Customers increasingly value software features, and with over-the-air capability, exciting updates can be delivered to customers throughout their ownership experience.