Ford make the move back to Detroit official today.
It is moving it’s self-driving and electric vehicle teams into the former factory building in the Corktown neighborhood on Detroit’s west side.
The building is already the home of the Ford Team Edison, which is Ford’s electric car development efforts.
It’s believed that Ford or a connected third party is snapping up properties nearby. The most significant would be the old train station which has been vacant for years.
Ford says the former factory is
located in a thriving neighborhood that gives Ford teams the opportunity to immerse themselves
in the lifestyle and mobility challenges of an urban environment.
Here is part of Ford’s statement:
Marking its return to the Motor City, Ford is moving its electric
vehicle and autonomous vehicle business teams into a refurbished former factory located in
Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood. Much more than just a relocation, the move is a
purpose-driven strategic decision, offering a new work environment and customizable
workspace that will enable the acceleration of Ford’s push into electrification and strengthen its
development of self-driving vehicles.
“Moving our teams to Corktown will further enhance our electric and autonomous vehicle
development,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford vice president, autonomous vehicles and
electrification. “It gives our teams the workspace they need to promote collaboration and big
thinking, and an urban setting that delivers crucial insight for both programs.”
Serving as home to a number of companies over its 110-year history, the former factory is
located in a thriving neighborhood that gives Ford teams the opportunity to immerse themselves
in the lifestyle and mobility challenges of an urban environment. This daily immersion allows
them to identify problems and generate solutions that will inform the development of the
company’s self-driving and electric vehicles.
The historic 45,000-square-foot building has undergone extensive renovation to bring about
optimal working conditions for employees dedicated to autonomy and electrification. The newly
designed layout fosters collaboration and team building, with rolling desks that allow groups to
customize their workspace as needed, flexible options for meetings, and interactive screens that
make working together easier.
Corktown employees are part of cross-functional global teams working with product
development, purchasing, and marketing, sales and service groups around the world to deliver
the right vehicles for customers in each region.