Ford partners with Gravity Sketch to bring 3D VR design tool into its design studios

Ford’s new partnership with Gravity Sketch wants to put its customers first—starting right from the design process. The automaker is the first one to use Gravity Sketch’s 3D virtual reality tool so its designers can skip 2D sketches and jump right into creating 3D models of their designs. According to Ford and Gravity Sketch, this approach prioritizes the people who will be using the cars. Using VR headset and controllers, the designers can anchor a driver at the center and start creating the 3D design around them, or they can even choose to “step inside” the vehicle and begin designing around them.

Across five global Ford design studios, both interior and exterior designers are using Gravity Sketch to see how the software can be used for real-time collaboration. The hope is this approach will change the entire design process by reducing development time and allowing for more 3D representations in the evaluation stage.

Ford to stop producing sedans in US and Canada by 2020

Ford is ceasing production of most of its passenger cars in the US and Canada in favour of SUV's and trucks. The company will stop making and selling the Ford Fiesta, Taurus, Fusion and the regular Focus models and will have these phased out in the coming years.

Ford will continue to make two passenger cars, the Ford Mustang, which is a sports coupe or convertible and the Ford Focus Active, which is a crossover of sorts. A testament to the high demand for SUVs and trucks in North America and the decline of four and five-seater passenger cars and hatchbacks.

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Alibaba and Ford have created a vending machine for cars in China

Photo from AlibabaFord is often at the forefront of technology and innovation. From self-driving car and safety technology to spearheading various hybrid and EV initiatives, the carmarker wants to be in the discussion no matter what the future of cars is. A bold new vending machine for Ford cars in China, which was created in tandem with Alibaba is turning the car buying process on its head.

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Ford and Effat Unversity helping women make history in Saudi Arabia

Ford Motor Company is assisting Saudi Arabian women ahead of them gaining the power of mobility by hosting a special four-day Driving Skills for Life program with Effat University. The groundbreaking course – Driving Skills for Life for Her – follows the landmark decision by the Kingdom, as decreed by His Highness, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to lift the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia.

“Ford Motor Company was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress, so we are honored to have the opportunity to support women in the Kingdom during such an extraordinary time, and to welcome them to the driver’s seat,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Our Driving Skills for Life for Her program provides access to training and experiences that will help women feel safe and confident as they get behind the wheel.”

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