Ford is bringing artificial intelligence further into everyday vehicle ownership with the rollout of a new AI-powered assistant through its Ford and Lincoln mobile apps.
The technology is designed to give drivers a more convenient way to access information about their individual vehicles, providing answers based on the specific model they own rather than relying solely on general vehicle information.
Through the app, the assistant can answer questions about areas including fuel levels, cargo capacity, towing capabilities and potential future servicing needs. Because the system is connected to the customer’s vehicle, it can use relevant vehicle data to provide more personalised responses.
For drivers, the technology could make it easier to understand their vehicle without having to search through manuals or navigate multiple sections of an app. Questions about whether a vehicle has enough fuel for a journey, how much it can tow or how much space is available can be answered through a conversational interface.
Ford is also looking beyond the smartphone. The company plans to introduce a voice-powered version of the assistant directly inside its vehicles, with the technology expected to become available from 2027.
The development forms part of a wider shift across the automotive industry as manufacturers explore how artificial intelligence can make vehicles more connected and responsive to their owners.
AI assistants are increasingly being used to provide information, support drivers and create more intuitive interactions between people and their vehicles. For manufacturers, these technologies also offer an opportunity to build stronger digital relationships with customers beyond the point of purchase.
Ford’s approach is particularly focused on making AI useful for everyday vehicle ownership. Rather than simply offering a general chatbot, the assistant is designed around information relating to the customer’s specific vehicle, potentially making its responses more relevant and practical.
The company has also indicated that its AI assistant is being designed to work with different large language models, giving Ford flexibility as the technology continues to develop.
The move comes at a time when automakers are investing heavily in connected vehicle technology and artificial intelligence. Voice assistants, personalised digital services and increasingly sophisticated driver support systems are becoming an important part of the industry’s technology roadmap.
For Ford, the next stage will be bringing the experience directly into the vehicle. A voice-powered assistant could allow drivers to access information without reaching for their phone, creating a more seamless connection between the vehicle, its technology and the person behind the wheel.
As AI continues to develop, the technology could become an increasingly familiar part of vehicle ownership, helping drivers access information more quickly while giving manufacturers new ways to deliver personalised services.
Ford’s latest rollout demonstrates how artificial intelligence is moving beyond experimental applications and into practical everyday tools, with the potential to make connected vehicles more useful, responsive and easier to interact with.