If there’s one truism in the auto industry, it’s that keeping customers is job number one. That means, when new tech innovations hit the market, you better not be far behind.
Enter self-driving cars. This science fiction staple is actually already in use in some places, and most industry brands are experimenting with their own version of the technology. Commercial fleets see massive potential in this innovation, so you can expect brands depending on commercial sales to chomp at the bit to market a successful application of the technology.
But sometimes it works the other way too. When search engine guru Google decided to get into the self-driving car race, they needed an automotive partner to seal the deal. Reports say they are in talks with Ford Motor Co. If the deal proves true, expect the announcement to be made early in 2016, likely at or just after the International Consumer Electronics Show in January.
According to New York Real Estate Developer Roman Temkin, “Google, to this point, has been tight-lipped about the prospects of partnering with Ford, but the marriage makes sense. Ford has a great track record, stayed solvent even when most other American automakers went looking to Uncle Sam for a bailout and has the scope and capacity to begin turning out Google’s creations almost immediately.”
They also have popular name recognition. When electric hybrid cars hit the American market, part of the initial consumer skepticism came because of the foreign manufacturer. Consumers loyal to domestic automakers are VERY loyal, often for generations. Toyota and Honda may make the most popular family sedans, but don’t say that to Ford or Chevy families.
For Google, partnering with Ford gives them instant market recognition and public relations points. Especially with commercial operations accustomed to buying Fords in bulk for their transportation operations. The partnership will play well at kitchen tables across the land too, at least from a public relations perspective.
While the ink isn’t yet dry on the deal, even if one has, indeed, been made, there’s still a larger hurdle to cross. They have to make the cars work.
