Ford kills automotive networking programme says report
Ford Motor has cancelled its core programme to develop a next generation networking architecture across its range of vehicles.
The FNV4 fully-networked vehicle programme was intended to support next generation combustion platforms as well as hybrid and electric vehicles. Reuters cites three sources that say cost over runs had to the cancellation. Ford is due to release its results for the first quarter of 2025 next week.
The networking architecture is key to the software defined vehicle (SDV) architecture with over the air (OTA) updates to add new features via software. The project had reached the prototype stage late last year. The SDV technology and the network architecture is key to linking up the increasing number of electronic control units in a zonal architecture. There can be up to 150 ECUs in a vehicle, says Ford.
Ford says the learning from the programme will be integrated into individual development programmes. “We are committed to delivering fully connected vehicle experiences across our entire lineup, regardless of powertrain, while many others in the industry are bringing the most advanced tech only to electric vehicles,” said a spokesperson.
This follows the downturn in the automative industry that has hit networking chip supplier NXP, where CEO Kurt Sievers is retiring in October.
The report is at www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-kills-project-develop-tesla-like-electronic-brain-2025-04-30/
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