Ford opens smart mobility innovation office in London

US carmaker Ford has launched an innovation office in London that will target the near-term development of smart mobility technologies while focussing on the specific requirements of European cities.

The Ford Smart Mobility Office on the Here East campus of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London is led by director Sarah-Jayne Williams.

The US company said having an office in London offers Ford close proximity to its projects and partners. Ford is currently working on a number of projects in London designed to improve air quality, ease congestion and broaden mobility for Londoners. 

“London is not only one of Europe’s biggest mega-cities, it is also one of the most progressive in its openness to new ideas and new partners as we work together to create smart vehicles for a smart world,” said Ford president and chief executive Jim Hackett. “Here East is the perfect location for Ford’s European smart mobility hub, with Plexal’s incredible talent pool and start-up diversity right on the doorstep.”

The Here East campus is already home to Loughborough University, one of Ford’s UK university research partners, as well as the Advanced Propulsion Centre, which has supported Ford’s powertrain research, including the development of a plug-in hybrid Transit van that will be tested in London over the next few months. 

The new London office joins Ford’s existing smart mobility offices in Dearborn and Palo Alto and also complements Ford’s global network of research and innovation centres, including RIC Aachen in Germany.