California, US

Ford is returning to Long Beach with a new top flight research-and-development team that will concentrate on the future models of the electric cars. Select members of this team will be located in the newly-formed Douglas Park located near Long Beach Airport according to Ford and Mayor Rex Richardson. “Long Beach is obviously critical to our growth plan of bringing in the best talent for future mobility vehicles and experiences,” Doug Field, the Ford’s chief EV digital, and design officer said.

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It was made during the mayor’s Grow Long Beach economic showcase on the 26th of June. The new campus is planned to occupy the area in early 2025 and will consist of two constructs. It will employ up to 450 staff that will focus on assembling a low-cost and versatile EV architecture. The head of the team is Alan Clarke, who previously worked for Tesla – the man has already managed to attract engineering talent from competitors such as Rivian.

This action enlarges a formerly covert ‘‘skunk works’’ group that has been lauded by Ford’s chief executive as some of the finest EV designers worldwide. This team has been working away from media limelight to create a multi-purpose strategy for this auto maker away from the Ford trappings.

Also Read: GM Defense introduces battery electric technology for future military platforms

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For Long Beach, the team’s concentration would be to create a new range of small inexpensive utilization vehicles that are inspired by the small Ford Model T for affordable innovation. Emma Bergg of Ford spoke to this project by stating that it was one of the most important projects to the EV division of the car manufacturer.

Ford has a past connection with Long Beach, Ford Long Beach Assembly Plant established in the year 1930 which manufactured Model A’s. The plant used nearly two thousand workers prior to its closure in 1958, and relocated to Pico Rivera. The return to Long Beach is therefore historic as observed by mayor Richardson referring to it as a circle.

Before Long Beach became its home, Ford employed its Advanced Electric Vehicle Team in Irvine city. Mayor Richard Daley noted there were no incentives extended to Ford on this hereby though there were several briefing sessions and visits to the proposed site at Douglas park. “Ford’s arrival is proof that our Grow Long Beach plan is working,” Richardson said referring to the plan he introduced to bring more companies that specialize in new technology, and specifically skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs to Long Beach.

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Several industries are finding Long Beach as a good place to invest, especially the new space ventures and automotive industry. Richardson and Bergg stipulated that Mercedes-Benz has a research and development center in Long Beach where its current activities may expand and other firms such as SpaceX and Vast are adding employees. “In the case of commuting and its availability, and nearby facilities such as restaurants and workout facilities for the personnel were highlights cited by Bergg!”

Based on Field’s contribution, Ford intends to keep seeking for, acquiring, and nurturing the best global HW and SW talent for its electrification and EVs teams. Thus, the new headquarters will become more appropriate for this recruitment and innovation.