Monetizing Data & Services: Interview with Ford Advanced Product Development Cheif

[Zoidz]

Interesting article that tells us where the industry is headed, we can assume Rivian is planning the same. RJ already leaked plans to change the R1 to a network architecture.

"Across the room from Ford Advanced Product Development chief Doug Field was a pile of two-dozen auto parts, each with its own small computer, and software written by the parts manufacturer.

Field, who was hired away from running Apple’s secret auto project two years ago, and before that served as Tesla head of engineering, explained at an investor event that the automaker is moving to get rid of the pile, consolidating most computing decisions into a central processor running software written by Ford.

The change will fundamentally change how people use their cars. Most automakers are counting on software services to boost future profit margins."

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[R1Tom]

I wonder how long the module approach will be supported? If they are switching already next year, the vehicle count with modules will be pretty low in the bigger picture. So updates could be reduced or even eliminated for module based vehicles.

I am happy with current system performance, so if it never changes till time for an upgrade, not a big deal....but curious anyway....

 

[WorldComposting]

I think modular systems would be good and bad. I could see manufacturers going the early cell phone route of wanting a module upgrade every year or planned obsolescence of the modules.

It would be nice 5 years down the line to pop in a newer better module without having to buy a new car or go aftermarket. This could also really help out dealerships with EVs to get another source of revenue that will be lost from less maintenance.

 

[computertom]

Have you all read the contract you signed when you bought your R1’s? These terms are all about monetizing the crap out of you / us and you owning as little as possible and granting them as much access as they want to you and “your” data. They are all banking (literally) on connected services and you all paying for the use of the vehicles you “own” for years to come.

Remember how we all wanted a la cart access to our cable channels and now we’re all paying more for umpteen streaming services that offer even less value? Yeah, our cars are going to be that, but even more expensive.

Sign on the dotted line… .

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