Quick Takeaways
- Ford software-defined vehicle computer cuts cost and complexity for future models.
- The new centralized module strengthens Ford’s control over vehicle hardware and software.
On January 7, Ford Motor Co. announced the development of a new in-house vehicle computer designed to act as the central intelligence for its next generation of software-defined vehicles. The Ford software-defined vehicle computer brings multiple vehicle domains together, marking a major shift in how the automaker designs, builds, and scales digital vehicle functions.
The high-performance computing module consolidates infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, audio processing, and networking into a single compact unit. According to the company, this integration reduces per-unit production costs by around 10% to 15% compared with existing solutions.
Ford software-defined vehicle computer strategy and objectives
Ford said the primary objective behind developing a custom processor is to broaden access to advanced vehicle technologies. Features that are typically limited to premium or luxury vehicles are intended to become available across a wider range of Ford models, improving value for mainstream customers.
Traditionally, most automakers rely on external semiconductor and electronics suppliers due to the complexity of automotive-grade computing hardware. Ford’s approach reflects a deliberate move toward vertical integration, allowing the company to own and manage the full hardware and software stack across its future vehicle lineup.
Smaller design, higher flexibility
The newly developed computer is approximately half the size of Ford’s current processors and was engineered by a cross-functional team that included experts from the mobile phone industry. This background helped accelerate development while meeting automotive-grade reliability and safety requirements.
By centralizing control of multiple vehicle systems into a single processor, Ford has significantly reduced system complexity. This architecture also makes it easier to deploy and scale new software-driven features over a vehicle’s lifecycle, including enhanced driver assistance and automated driving functions.
Key benefits of centralized vehicle computing
Foundation of the Universal Electric Vehicle architecture
The computer will serve as the core of Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle architecture. This platform gives Ford engineers up to five times more control over critical semiconductors compared with previous designs.
The new EV architecture also focuses on manufacturing efficiency. Ford stated that it uses around 20% fewer parts than a typical vehicle, including 25% fewer fasteners. These changes contribute to approximately 15% faster assembly times on the production line.
In-house electronics expertise and reliability
Ford highlighted the role of its internal electronics team in delivering high hardware performance, strong functional safety, and improved reliability. To date, the team has produced more than 35 million electronic modules that exceed internal engineering standards, according to the company.
The move aligns with a broader industry trend toward centralized computing and software-defined vehicle architectures. Other major automakers are also preparing similar transitions as vehicles become increasingly software-centric and digitally upgradable.
The high-performance computing module consolidates infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, audio processing, and networking into a single compact unit. According to the company, this integration reduces per-unit production costs by around 10% to 15% compared with existing solutions.
Ford software-defined vehicle computer strategy and objectives
Ford said the primary objective behind developing a custom processor is to broaden access to advanced vehicle technologies. Features that are typically limited to premium or luxury vehicles are intended to become available across a wider range of Ford models, improving value for mainstream customers.
Traditionally, most automakers rely on external semiconductor and electronics suppliers due to the complexity of automotive-grade computing hardware. Ford’s approach reflects a deliberate move toward vertical integration, allowing the company to own and manage the full hardware and software stack across its future vehicle lineup.
Smaller design, higher flexibility
The newly developed computer is approximately half the size of Ford’s current processors and was engineered by a cross-functional team that included experts from the mobile phone industry. This background helped accelerate development while meeting automotive-grade reliability and safety requirements.
By centralizing control of multiple vehicle systems into a single processor, Ford has significantly reduced system complexity. This architecture also makes it easier to deploy and scale new software-driven features over a vehicle’s lifecycle, including enhanced driver assistance and automated driving functions.
Key benefits of centralized vehicle computing
- Reduced hardware complexity across vehicle platforms
- Faster deployment of new software-based features
- Improved scalability for future automated driving functions
Foundation of the Universal Electric Vehicle architecture
The computer will serve as the core of Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle architecture. This platform gives Ford engineers up to five times more control over critical semiconductors compared with previous designs.
The new EV architecture also focuses on manufacturing efficiency. Ford stated that it uses around 20% fewer parts than a typical vehicle, including 25% fewer fasteners. These changes contribute to approximately 15% faster assembly times on the production line.
In-house electronics expertise and reliability
Ford highlighted the role of its internal electronics team in delivering high hardware performance, strong functional safety, and improved reliability. To date, the team has produced more than 35 million electronic modules that exceed internal engineering standards, according to the company.
The move aligns with a broader industry trend toward centralized computing and software-defined vehicle architectures. Other major automakers are also preparing similar transitions as vehicles become increasingly software-centric and digitally upgradable.
Company Press Release
Click above to visit the official source.
Share: