Ford has expanded its autonomous car fleet into Austin, Texas. Austin now joins Miami-Dade County and Washington D.C. and will serve as Ford's third testing area for its autonomous car fleet. Much like the other two cities, Ford will initially roll out its Fusion Hybrid AV test vehicles. The vehicles are designed with technology from Argo AI, and will first look to map the city. The maps will subsequently be used to navigate the cars when they are fully autonomous.
Ford is expanding the use of its self-driving vehicles in different cities in order to improve the technology, but also to investigate potential business applications for the vehicles. Ford is looking at what part autonomous vehicles may play in package delivery, ride-hailing, as well as transportation industries.
Autonomous Car Test Cities
Ford Will Use Austin as a Third Test Site for Its Autonomous Car Fleet
Trend Themes
1. Expansion of Autonomous Car Fleets - Ford is expanding its autonomous car fleet into different cities to improve technology and explore potential business applications.
2. Mapping Cities for Autonomous Navigation - Ford is using its Fusion Hybrid AV test vehicles equipped with Argo AI technology to map cities for autonomous navigation.
3. Exploring Business Applications for Autonomous Vehicles - Ford is investigating the potential use of autonomous vehicles in package delivery, ride-hailing, and transportation industries.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry has an opportunity to integrate autonomous vehicles into package delivery, ride-hailing, and transportation services.
2. Logistics - Autonomous vehicles can disrupt the logistics industry by enabling efficient and autonomous package delivery systems.
3. Transportation Services - The transportation services industry can benefit from the adoption of autonomous vehicles for ride-hailing and improving mobility services.