Ford to Launch Bus Service in London

On Monday, London agreed to the plans of Ford to operate its Chariot minibus services as the automaker expands its mobility service designed to tap into growing demand in cities among those who wish to make trips rather than buy cars.

Ford's Chariot Minibus to operate in London.

Ford’s Chariot minibus will be able to run its pre-bookable only services in the capital city of Britain for a year on three routes and nine months on a fourth route on a trial basis.

The Dearborn-based automaker is trying to diversify into other modes of transportation from vehicles sold to consumers as new competitors, from Alphabet’s Google to Uber, stir the traditional automotive manufacturing.

Meanwhile, there are other major automakers who are experimenting with their mobility services. They are also partnering with existing tech apps or developing their own offerings such as car clubs as they seek to appeal to younger citizens who have increasingly shunned vehicle ownership.

“This service has the potential to provide useful transport links in the areas they will serve, largely outside central London, and we will carefully monitor this trial,” a spokesperson at regulator 

Transport for London stated.

Ford is already operating its bus service in cities in the U.S. such as San Francisco and Seattle, allowing passengers to book seats for journeys generally between transport hubs, park, and ride facilities for the last mile of a trip.

According to the website of Transport for London, the proposed routes of the firm in London include areas in the south of the River 

Thames which are not close to underground stations, including near the Battersea Power Station redevelopment.

The automaker welcomed the approval of Transport for London and stated that it would provide further details of the service soon.

“Chariot’s commuter ride-share service will complement the existing public transport system by offering in-app ride booking for first- and last-mile commuting solutions, and the potential to reach 

underserved areas,” stated the firm in a statement.

Head of Ford in China Quits

Jason Luo, the head of Ford’s Chinese division, is resigning after less than half-a-year on the job.

The officials of Ford announced that its CEO of Chinese operations is resigning for personal reasons that they say are connected to the 

time before he worked with the Dearborn-based carmaker.

The officials also added that the resignation is not related to how well the company is doing in China, wherein the company sees a “robust” future ahead.

However, the move comes as the automaker and its joint ventures report a 6 percent fall in sales compared to last year.

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