Ford Opens Research Center in Israel

Ford Motor Co. has opened a research center in Tel Aviv, Israel, to work with local tech companies and startups on new mobility technologies.

Researchers at the facility will focus on artificial intelligence, connectivity, sensors, automated-driving systems, in-vehicle monitoring and cybersecurity. A vehicle lab within the center will build proof-of-concept models.

The new center will be housed in the offices of Ford’s SAIPS computer vision subsidiary, which the carmaker acquired in 2016. The combined operations will occupy about 5,000 sq ft.

Ford will initially employ about a dozen engineers at the Tel Aviv center. The team, which will be led by SAIPS founder and CEO Udy Danino, will collaborate with other Ford research centers in Detroit, Silicon Valley, China and Germany.

Ford has been working with Israeli tech companies for several years. The company notes it has held its annual software development challenge several times in Tel Aviv.

Speaking at the annual EcoMotion mobility conference in Tel Aviv earlier this week, Chairman Bill Ford said the carmaker will rely on startups to meet emerging new mobility opportunities and challenges. Conference organizers say more than $6 billion has been invested in Israeli mobility startups since 2013.