Ford’s $1 Billion Movement into the Self-Driving Industry

Cecilia Santostefano

Back in December, an artificial intelligence start-up known as Argo AI developed, focusing on developing autonomous vehicle technology.[1] Now, it has gained the support of one of the oldest automobile manufacturers in the country: Ford.[2]

Over the course of the next five years, Ford will be making a $1 billion investment in the start-up, making this Ford’s biggest effort to move into the self-driving industry.[3] Argo AI will function as a subsidiary of Ford, with Ford maintaining its independence as the majority shareholder.[4] Ford is reported to view mobility services as potentially more profitable than its traditional business of making and selling cars.[5] The autonomous vehicle is scheduled for release in 2021.[6]

[1] Mike Isaac and Neal E. Boudette, Ford to Invest $1 Billion in Artificial Intelligence Start-Up, NY Times, (Feb. 10, 2017), https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/10/technology/ford-invests-billion-artificial-intelligence.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ftechnology.

[2] Id.

[3] Id.

[4] Stefan Ogbac, Ford Announces Investment in Artificial Intelligence Company Argo AI, Motor Trend, (Feb. 12, 2017), http://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-announces-investment-artificial-intelligence-company-argo-ai/.

[5] Isaac, supra note 1.

[6] Ogbac, supra note 3.