Ford Motor Co. Cuts 350 Connected-Vehicle Software Jobs Amid Organizational Restructuring

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source:  Jamie L. LaReau

Ford Motor Co. is set to eliminate nearly 350 jobs within its connected-vehicle software division as part of an initiative to enhance operational efficiency, according to sources familiar with the matter. The layoffs, which represent approximately 5% of the connected-software team, were communicated to affected employees on May 13. The impacted workforce is located across the United States and Canada, although specific numbers from the company's Dearborn, Michigan headquarters were not disclosed.

In a statement regarding the job cuts, Ford spokesman Ian Thibodeau emphasized the company's commitment to maintaining an efficient and effective organization in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape. "We are making changes within our Connected Vehicle Software team to ensure we have the right talent and organization to deliver the world’s best next-generation connected vehicles. This will include some separations,” Thibodeau stated.

The decision to reduce the workforce is not linked to the ongoing challenges surrounding President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, nor is it related to Ford's recent cancellation of the development of a next-generation electrical software architecture. During a recent earnings call, CEO Jim Farley addressed concerns regarding the cancellation, explaining that Ford has consolidated some advanced software to provide a new electrical software architecture at a more competitive price point. This strategic move is expected to enhance the company's integrated services and software revenue, ultimately making future products more affordable.

"This savings also has a big impact on the cost of our future products, so all of our products will be more affordable now," Farley noted. He added that the company is targeting its next-generation products to be cheaper than the current outgoing models, with updated electrical software playing a significant role in this cost reduction.

The connected-vehicle software team is responsible for various projects, including the recently launched Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience, and operates under the leadership of Doug Field, Ford’s chief EV, digital, and design officer.

In addition to the job cuts, Ford announced the hiring of Kyle Crockett as its new Chief Accounting Officer on May 13. Crockett, who previously held positions at General Motors and Carrier Global Corp., will assume his role on May 19. He will oversee all aspects of Ford’s accounting function and internal controls over financial reporting. Until his official start date, Crockett will serve as vice president of accounting, reporting to Chief Financial Officer Sherry House.

Crockett brings extensive experience in accounting, taxes, and financial reporting, having previously led process transformation initiatives at GM to enhance global standardization and decision-making quality. He will succeed Mark Kosman, who is transitioning to another role within Ford's finance organization.

As Ford navigates these changes, the company remains focused on adapting to the evolving automotive market while striving to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions to its customers.