The Lead of Apple’s Secretive Car Project Just Left to Join Ford – Futurism

"This is probably the largest setback in a history filled with setbacks for Apples car project."Empty Seats

Apples secretive self-driving carproject has been served its next big blow, putting an already troubled project on even thinner ice.

The projects lead Doug Field is leaving to join Ford as its chief advanced technology and embedded systems officer, Bloomberg reports.

Field has a packed rsum. The automotive veteran was also crucial in helping Tesla launch its blockbuster sedan, the Model 3.

In other words, Ford just made a killer hire.

Doug is one of the worlds most respected engineering and product design leaders and has been a driving force behind breakthrough products across auto, tech and mobility, including at Apple, Tesla and Segway, Ford CEO Jim Farley said in a statement.

Field will oversee the development of the US carmakers Blue Oval Intelligence software suite that delivers software to its smart vehicles.

Im thrilled to be joining Ford as it embraces a transition to a new, complex and fascinating period in the auto industry, Field said in the statement. It will be a privilege to help Ford deliver a new generation of experiences built on the shift to electrification, software and digital experiences, and autonomy.

While its a great day for Ford, it isnt one for Apple. The tech giants efforts to build a car already were served a major blow in June when several key managers left the team which was being led by Field at the time.

This is probably the largest setback in a history filled with setbacks for Apples car project, Apple reporter Mark Gurman tweeted in response to the news. As I wrote in January, there is no Apple Car launching anytime soon, not 2024, not 2025.

In fact, it might already be too late for the project as a whole. Further out now, if ever, Gurman added.

READ MORE: Ford Hires Apple Car Chief in Coup for Recovering Carmaker [Bloomberg]

More on Apples car project: It Sounds Like the Apple Car Is in Serious Trouble

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The Lead of Apple's Secretive Car Project Just Left to Join Ford - Futurism