Google, Ford to Partner on Autonomous Cars

Ford CEO Mark Fields shows off its self driving car

Despite what many in the industry predicted, Google will not build its own autonomous cars (at least, not yet). Instead, it is forming a partnership with Ford to build self driving cars together, according to Yahoo! Autos. The announcement of the partnership will take place during the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show that begins January 5.

The partnership gives both parties what they want most. Ford gets autonomous driving technology pioneered by Google over the past 7 years and Google gets to avoid the pain and expense of actually building and distributing a car. People tend to underestimate how hard manufacturing a car really is. Even the unflappable Elon Musk has found translating dreams into finished cars a daunting task.

Sources say that venture will be part of a new company that is legally separate from Ford Motor Company, no doubt to insulate the company from any potential liability. The courts have yet to hear any cases alleging negligent behavior by self driving cars, but you can bet such suits are coming. Volvo, Mercedes and Google have said publicly they would accept any liability for the autonomous cars. but Ford apparently feels more comfortable wearing both a belt and suspenders here at the beginning of the self driving age.

It is understood that the deal between Ford and Google isn’t exclusive. Think of it more like an “open marriage”, meaning that Google will be free to seek other business partners if it wants to- and, judging form the way Ford handled its hybrid truck technology partnership with Toyota– Google is probably smart to play the field!

Ford spokesman Alan Hall, for Ford’s part, said the automaker works with many companies on its Ford Smart Mobility plan, adding: “We keep these discussions private for obvious competitive reasons, and we do not comment on speculation.”

Ford + Google is Already a Thing

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Casual industry observers may not know that there are already several links between Ford and Google. John Krafcik, who heads Google’s autonomous car program, worked at Ford for 14 years. Several other former Ford employees are working alongside him, and former Ford CEO Alan Mulallyformally joined Google’s board last year.

Last week, Google announced that its autonomous car operation would become a separate entity under the Alphabet umbrella, according to Bloomberg News. It says it plans to offer a car service or “ride for hire” program to compete with Uber, which is busy developing its own self driving cars. The future of mobility, many people think, will be one in which no one actually owns a car but rather rents one on an on-call, as-needed basis. It’s possible the adorable little Google bubble car — or something like it — could still be built to provide vehicles for that market, as well.

Source: Bloomberg News.

Ford To Build Michigan’s Largest Solar Array

Ford has teamed up with utility DTE Energy to build the largest solar array in its home state of Michigan, as well as the second-largest carport in the entire Midwest. The solar array will provide 360 covered parking spots and 30 plug-in vehicle charging stations, and is expected to generate 1.13 million kWh annually.

That’s enough energy to power about 158 average-sized American homes for an entire year, tough instead the power will be fed into the Ford World Headquarters, offsetting some 794 metric tons of carbon each year. The project is being funded by DTE Energy, and after a carport at the Cincinnati Zoo, it will be the largest carport in the Midwest. Construction will begin this September and is expected to be completed early next year, after which DTE energy has a 20-year contract to operate and maintain the solar-powered carport.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with DTE Energy to bring a more efficient, renewable energy source to our offices,” said Donna Inch, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Land Development Corporation. “This is an innovative project that will benefit both DTE Energy and Ford, and is yet another example of our work toward building a more sustainable future.”

The two companies have previously teamed up on other solar projects, including a 500-kilowatt system at the Michigan Assembly Plant. DTE Energy has committed to produce 10% of its energy from renewable sources by the end of next year, and this massive solar array gets them that much closer.

“The SolarCurrents canopy project is another example of how DTE Energy and Ford are working to build a more energy-efficient and sustainable future,” said Irene Dimitry, DTE Energy vice president, marketing and renewables. “At the same time, this project will help us come closer to meeting Michigan’s renewable energy goals and diversify our energy portfolio.”

Source: Ford 

Consumer Preferences Shift as Gas Prices Rise - As If This Was Not Obvious

CINCINNATI, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid month reports from the U.S. Energy Information Association confirm what your wallet already knows... that gas prices are on the rise across the United States. In fact, there is not a region across the country where prices were not up from the same period a year ago. Additionally, this rise put the price per gallon of gasoline above the $3 threshold in every region across the U.S. with the exception of one.

In mid January, Ford Motor Company CEO, Alan Mulally, was quoted as saying, "As fuel prices go up, people put more emphasis on fuel economy. We saw previously that as gas prices get above $3, people start making different decisions." Unlike a couple of years ago the automotive industry is better prepared as prices increase. This is especially true for the domestic automakers that are much better positioned this time around with more fuel efficient offerings. For instance, Chevrolet is introducing 3 new fuel efficient entrants including the Cruze, Sonic, and the much anticipated Volt plug-in hybrid electric.

Recent search requests at Swapalease.com indicate that the $3 per gallon barrier may cause a shift in consumer attitudes toward the importance of fuel efficiency when selecting their next vehicle. Company officials noted that search requests for higher mile per gallon vehicles have increased notably over the last several months. Clients looking to transfer out of leases as a result of fuel economy concerns is trending upward, too.

Company President and Co-Founder, Richard Joseph stated, "More of our clients were searching for cars that require less fill ups as 2010 came to a close and so far into 2011." He added, "Swapalease.com listened to customer feedback regarding the request for a way to easily search for more fuel efficient vehicles by incorporating a Green/Hybrid category search option." Customers can now search hybrid vehicles on Swapalease.com with a simple click of a button.

About Swapalease.com:

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Swapalease.com is the world's largest automotive lease marketplace and the pioneer in facilitating lease transfers online. First conceptualized in 1997, Swapalease has evolved into a leading automotive consumer online destination servicing all aspects of the automotive leasing lifecycle including education, research, pricing, acquisition and lease transfer. For more information, please call 866-SWAPNOW (866-792-7669) or visit www.swapalease.com.