Ford Introduces AI Assistant With Big Plans Ahead

Ford has quietly made a strong tech statement at CES 2026. The company announced a new AI-powered digital assistant that will first launch inside the Ford smartphone app in early 2026. Later, it will move directly into Ford vehicles by 2027.

The AI assistant runs on Google Cloud and uses large language models. More importantly, it connects deeply with vehicle-specific data. This allows drivers to ask practical questions. For example, they can check oil life or understand cargo limits in real time.

Ford says the assistant is designed to make ownership simpler. It focuses on clarity, access, and everyday usefulness.

In-Car AI Experience Coming in 2027

While the company did not show a full demo, the direction is clear. The assistant will eventually live inside the car. Drivers will interact with it naturally while driving.

Other automakers already use AI for navigation, messaging, and climate control. Ford is now preparing its own system, with a year to refine the experience before launch.

The company has not confirmed which models will get the AI assistant first.

BlueCruise Gets Cheaper and Smarter

Alongside AI, the carmaker teased a next-generation BlueCruise system. The company claims it will be 30 percent cheaper to build than the current version. This matters because it allows wider adoption across models.

The new BlueCruise will debut in 2027. It will arrive on Ford’s first EV built on the low-cost Universal Electric Vehicle platform. Reports suggest this will be a mid-size electric pickup.

Eyes-Off Driving Is the Long-Term Goal

Ford has bigger ambitions for BlueCruise. The company says eyes-off driving is planned for 2028. This means drivers will not need to constantly watch the road in supported conditions.

In addition, Ford is working on point-to-point autonomous driving. This allows the vehicle to manage most of the journey. However, drivers must stay ready to take control at any time.

This approach mirrors systems from Tesla and Rivian. Ford’s focus remains on safety and gradual rollout.

A Quiet But Important CES Moment for Ford

Unlike flashy keynotes of the past, Ford shared these updates during a smaller CES session. Still, the message was clear. AI and automation now sit at the center of Ford’s future strategy.