As the automotive industry begins to grapple with the idea that in a future filled with self-driving cars, the traditional car sales model might break down?and possibly threaten auto companies’ existence?Ford is attempting to stay ahead of the changes. Now, instead of launching another car-sharing program or announcing a groundbreaking six-way lease program in anticipation of shifting consumer notions of car ownership, Ford is starting a new division, Ford Smart Mobility, LLC that’s split between Palo Alto, California, and Ford HQ in Dearborn, Michigan and will seek business opportunities that capitalize on the future of mobility.

The idea behind Ford Smart Mobility is to leave the Ford Motor Company to do what it does best: build and sell traditional cars and trucks. As for Ford Smart Mobility, it will work toward inserting itself into the “transportation services market,” a slice of pie that Ford says “already accounts for $5.4 trillion in annual revenue.” Who can say no to a piece of any revenue stream cut from a number ending in “trillion"”
Ford Patents Windshield Entertainment System, Brings New Meaning to ?Drive-In Movie?
Ford to Debut Traffic Jam Assist, Fully Autonomous Car in Four Years
Talk, Talk: Ford Wants Cars to Talk to Smart Homes and Digital Assistants

Ford wants its new division to act like a startup company, albeit one with access to the automaker’s product development, research and developm...