Speaking to the UK’s Autocar, Connelly said: “We remain committed in future to models where autonomous driving makes sense and others where it does not”.
“Autonomous is a spectrum of technologies with assisted driving, like adaptive cruise control, at one end - and full hands-off driving at the other.”
Above: Ford's driverless Fusion (Mondeo)
The company’s research has shown that nations like India and China are very enthusiastic about self-driving technology, while markets like the US and UK still prefer to take the wheel.
Connelly added that autonomous vehicles will offer groups like young people and the elderly a safe alternative to public transport when commuting in cities and rural areas.
“Parents might prefer to have their teens in a self-driving car than in an Uber being driven by a stranger,” she said. “Autonomous vehicles could [also] be a wonderful solution for an ageing population. Today, people retire by 65 years [old].”
“That might be only a third of their life in the future. How are they going to get around?” she added.
Above: Ford GT
While Ford has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to driverless technology - the company recently revealed plans to launch a driverless taxi fleet in just five years time - the news that driver's cars like the Focus RS and Ford GT will live on is music to our ears.
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