Tesla and Ford CEOs Praise Each Other's Automotive Accomplishments

Tesla CEO Elon Musk praises Ford's automotive accomplishments, calling it "basically invented mass manufacturing." Ford's new EV manufacturing process combines its old Model T method with Tesla's "unboxed production process." The two companies have a complex relationship, but their executives have shown mutual respect and admiration for each other's innovations.

Ford Motor Company has announced a significant milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) production strategy, with plans to build a mid-sized electric pick-up truck at its Louisville assembly plant. The new vehicle, priced at $30,000, represents a "Model T Moment" that aims to make EVs accessible to a broader audience, much like the Model T did when it was launched in 1908 [1].

Ford's new EV will be constructed 40 percent faster than current production methods, thanks to a new "assembly tree" process. This innovative approach replaces the traditional linear line with three parallel subassembly lines for the front structure, rear structure, and battery pack and interior. The process involves large single-piece aluminum unicastings, reducing the number of parts and fasteners, and improving ergonomics for employees [1].

The Louisville plant, which currently builds the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair, will be retooled to mass-produce vehicles using Ford's Universal EV Platform. This platform incorporates pioneered technologies such as a structural battery pack, gigacasting, and a zonal wiring architecture, which are also features of Tesla's production methods [1].

Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, stated that the company took a radical approach to create affordable vehicles that delight customers in every way that matters. The new EV platform reduces parts by 20 percent, with 25 percent fewer fasteners, 40 percent fewer workstations, and 15 percent faster assembly time. The LFP prismatic batteries used in the vehicle also provide cost reduction, durability, and space savings [1].

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has praised Ford's accomplishments, acknowledging that Ford "basically invented mass manufacturing" of large, complex products. Tesla has adopted similar production strategies, using the "unboxed production process" and gigacasting to streamline its manufacturing processes [2].

Despite the competitive landscape, Ford and Tesla have shown mutual respect and admiration for each other's innovations. Doug Field, Ford's Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer, and a former Senior VP of Engineering at Tesla, has stated that Ford is taking a "Model T moment" approach to EV production [1].

Ford's new EV manufacturing process is a testament to its commitment to innovation and sustainability. The company is preparing for the future of the automotive industry by adopting cutting-edge technologies and production methods. While the relationship between Ford and Tesla is complex, their mutual respect for each other's innovations has paved the way for a new chapter in mass production.

References:
[1] https://www.assemblymag.com/articles/99488-ford-to-build-mass-market-ev-using-a-new-assembly-process
[2] https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-elon-musk-gives-nod-ford-while-acknowledging-his-influence-on-evs/