Ford Cuts 350 Connected Vehicle Software Jobs in US, Canada

Ford Motor Company is cutting approximately 350 jobs in its connected vehicle software division across the U.S. and Canada as part of efforts to improve operational efficiency and better position itself in the competitive market for next-generation connected vehicles. The layoffs, representing about 5% of the connected software team, are not related to U.S. tariffs or the cancellation of the FNV4 vehicle electronic architecture project, which was halted due to cost overruns and delays. Instead, Ford is shifting to a distributed intelligent system design that facilitates rapid wireless updates and reduces wiring complexity, aiming to enhance affordability and profitability for future products. CEO Jim Farley highlighted that merging advanced software will allow Ford to offer a lower-priced next-generation electrical software architecture compared to previous versions. The company also recently hired Kyle Crockett as its new Chief Accounting Officer to oversee accounting and financial reporting. Market reaction to the job cuts was mixed, with a brief dip in stock prices that stabilized, amid broader challenges facing legacy automakers transitioning to electrification and software-driven competition.