Ford and Volkswagen reportedly reach agreement to share self-driving and electric tech

[Shawn Knight]

Why it matters: A source familiar with the matter described the partnership as an extension of an existing agreement to work together on commercial vehicles. Further details could be hashed out at a meeting next week, we're told.

Ford and Volkswagen have agreed to share autonomous and electric car technologies with each other according to a report from Reuters published on Friday.

As Engadget correctly points out, a partnership of this nature could have a huge impact on each company’s ambitions and the automotive industry in general. For Ford, it could fast track electrification plans and for Volkswagen, it would allow them to transform one of their biggest rivals into a customer.

Drivers (consumers) may see a reduction in competition and options but odds are, it’ll speed up advancements in the industry and make tech more affordable.

A spokesperson for Ford said their talks with Volkswagen continue, adding that discussions have been productive across a number of areas. More details will be shared when they’re firm, the spokesperson said. Volkswagen’s representative declined to comment on specific details of the potential alliance but did note that talks with Ford are going well thus far.

A separate source told Reuters that Volkswagen’s supervisory board is planning to discuss deepening its alliance with Ford at a meeting on July 11.

Masthead credit: Electric car at charging station by MDOGAN

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https://www.techspot.com/news/80822-ford-volkswagen-reportedly-reach-agreement-share-self-driving.html

 

[QuantumPhysics]

TESLA is way ahead of both of them.

Ford and Volkswagen both make boring econoboxes.

 

[Uncle Al]

TESLA is way ahead of both of them.

Ford and Volkswagen both make boring econoboxes.

While you are right, a industry understands that by and large the average buyer cannot afford the Tesla product, even at the low end. Years ago it was understood there is something about that magic $25K limit that a majority of buyers would accept (Final number after trade-in, rebates, etc, etc). They have tried extending the time you could finance and a lot of other gimmicks but most load up their product with so much accessorized junk that they put the price out of reach.
Tesla had the right idea in the beginning when he was going to build the "electric VW" for this generation, but rapidly got swept up in the gadget wars. The day one of these producers comes up with a basic vehicle that has a radio, A/C, heat and not much more, a range of over 450 miles between charges, and can seat 5 adults it will peak the interest of a majority of car buyers. You've got most of that now with cross-overs but their price point is higher and the jury is still out on their dependability.
This may be one of the factors that so many teens are forgoing a drivers license and until the industry comes up with an economical solution the numbers may continue to decline.

 

[QuantumPhysics]

While you are right, a industry understands that by and large the average buyer cannot afford the Tesla product, even at the low end. Years ago it was understood there is something about that magic $25K limit that a majority of buyers would accept (Final number after trade-in, rebates, etc, etc). They have tried extending the time you could finance and a lot of other gimmicks but most load up their product with so much accessorized junk that they put the price out of reach.
Tesla had the right idea in the beginning when he was going to build the "electric VW" for this generation, but rapidly got swept up in the gadget wars. The day one of these producers comes up with a basic vehicle that has a radio, A/C, heat and not much more, a range of over 450 miles between charges, and can seat 5 adults it will peak the interest of a majority of car buyers. You've got most of that now with cross-overs but their price point is higher and the jury is still out on their dependability.
This may be one of the factors that so many teens are forgoing a drivers license and until the industry comes up with an economical solution the numbers may continue to decline.

The Model 3 is making tremendous market penetration.
Once the Model Y comes to market it will do even better.

The real problem is that the Model S and Model X cost so much, but in time that will change too.

For what the Model 3 performance offers, there is far more affordability there than for those buying high performance German cars.

 

[netman]

Good new...more affordable electric cars are coming. Tesla is in trouble!