Ford appoints jim hackett as new boss as it prepares for self driving future

That's correct! In May 2017, Ford Motor Company appointed Jim Hackett as its new CEO, succeeding Mark Fields. At the time, Hackett was tasked with leading the company's transformation into a mobility and autonomous vehicle leader.

Hackett, a former Steelcase CEO, was brought in to help Ford navigate the rapidly changing automotive landscape, which was shifting towards electric and autonomous vehicles. Under his leadership, Ford has made significant investments in autonomous driving technology, including the acquisition of Argo AI, a self-driving startup.

During his tenure, Hackett has also overseen the development of Ford's autonomous vehicle platform, which is designed to be used in a variety of applications, including ride-hailing, delivery, and logistics. He has also emphasized the importance of electrification, with plans to offer a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully electric version of every new vehicle launched in the US starting in 2020.

In addition to his focus on autonomous driving and electrification, Hackett has also prioritized improving Ford's manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs. He has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and reducing waste, including the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in the manufacturing process.

Under Hackett's leadership, Ford has also made significant changes to its organizational structure, including the creation of a new mobility division and the establishment of a dedicated autonomous vehicle team.

Overall, Jim Hackett's appointment as CEO of Ford was seen as a significant move by the company to position itself for success in the rapidly changing automotive landscape. His focus on autonomous driving, electrification, and manufacturing efficiency has helped Ford to stay competitive and adapt to the changing needs of the market.