Fans Think Ford Is The ‘Major OEM’ That Will License Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Technology
Tesla’s recent announcement during its second-quarter earnings call that it was in talks to license its Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology has sparked speculation among fans and industry experts. Many believe that the “major OEM” referenced by Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, is Ford. However, there are also arguments suggesting that it could be a different company altogether.
Why Ford Could Be the Major OEM
There are several reasons why Ford could be the brand in talks with Tesla for licensing its FSD technology. Firstly, Ford and Tesla recently announced a collaboration to provide Ford customers access to Tesla’s Supercharger network by incorporating the NACS charging port in future Ford electric vehicles (EVs). This partnership indicates a willingness to work together and suggests that further discussions about technology sharing could be taking place.
Secondly, Ford already offers its own driver-aid system called BlueCruise, which is available on many of its vehicles. While BlueCruise is not as advanced as Tesla’s FSD in terms of capabilities, it is a solid system with potential for future development. By licensing Tesla’s FSD technology, Ford could enhance its driver-aid offerings and stay competitive in the market.
Lastly, Ford is considered one of the major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive industry. When Elon Musk mentioned a “major OEM” during the earnings call, he was likely referring to one of the larger brands rather than smaller companies like Lucid or Rivian. Ford fits this description and has the resources and infrastructure to integrate and deploy Tesla’s FSD technology on a larger scale.
Other Possible Candidates
While Ford seems like a strong contender, there are other potential candidates for the “major OEM” mentioned by Musk. One possibility is Hyundai and its subsidiary Kia. These brands have been gaining momentum in the market and have top-notch driver aids. However, they do not have a publicly-known plan for level 3 or higher driver technology. Licensing Tesla’s FSD could give them a significant advantage over competitors and accelerate their progress in the driver-aid game.
The Value of Licensing FSD
Regardless of which OEM ends up licensing Tesla’s FSD technology, there is clear value in doing so. Tesla’s FSD has received both praise and criticism, but there is no denying its potential. By licensing the technology, automakers can leverage Tesla’s expertise and advancements in autonomous driving to enhance their own offerings. This could lead to safer and more advanced driver-aid systems for consumers.
Furthermore, Elon Musk has expressed openness to working with other automakers and has previously mentioned the possibility of licensing FSD and Autopilot. Tesla’s goal is to be as helpful as possible to other car companies, as evidenced by their decision to make their patents freely available several years ago and enable other companies to use their Supercharger network. Licensing FSD would align with this philosophy and foster collaboration within the industry.
Conclusion
While fans and experts speculate about the identity of the “major OEM” that will license Tesla’s FSD technology, Ford appears to be a strong candidate. The recent collaboration between Ford and Tesla, along with Ford’s existing driver-aid system and status as a major OEM, make it a logical choice. However, other brands like Hyundai and Kia also have potential. Regardless of the outcome, licensing Tesla’s FSD technology could bring significant benefits to the chosen OEM and contribute to the advancement of autonomous driving technology in the industry.