Five years after joining Ford from Apple to lead electric vehicle and software efforts, Doug Field is stepping down. Alan Clarke, an ex-Tesla engineer now leading Ford’s California lab, will replace him as vice president of advanced development projects, continuing work on Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle Platform.
This leadership change follows Ford’s recent $19.5 billion write-down on its EV investment and the discontinuation of several electric models, including the F-150 Lightning. The company canceled plans for a next-gen electric truck and van, refocusing on hybrids and existing gas-powered models. Ford continues developments on its UEV platform, aiming to launch a $30,000 midsize truck by 2027.
Ford is also creating a “Product Creation and Integration” organization to enhance digital growth, led by COO Kumar Galhotra, focusing on scaling EVs and digital products.
In a press briefing, CEO Jim Farley commends Field’s team-building and high-tech contributions. Field acknowledges its an opportune time to pass responsibility to Ford’s industrial team, as the product is mature enough for mass production.
Farley outlined upcoming updates to 80% of North America’s and 70% of Ford’s global vehicle portfolios by 2029, including new electric architectures and interior experiences, with 90% of vehicles featuring new electric systems by the decade’s end.
Field’s departure is another hurdle in Ford’s transformation from gas to electric vehicles. Initially, only Tesla offered a superior software experience, a gap Ford aimed to bridge by hiring Field. Previously, Field worked on Apple’s car project and led Tesla’s Model 3 design.
Among Field’s achievements are the BlueCruise hands-free system and the Android-powered infotainment system. However, Ford also faced setbacks, like scrapping the costly FNV4 architecture, deciding instead to enhance the existing FNV3 platform.
In 2022, Ford divided operations into Model e for EVs and Ford Blue for gas vehicles to address financial concerns.