Over the past century, automakers helped transform US cities -- in good ways and bad. The industry helped people move freely, and it delivered good-paying jobs. At the same time, it profited off a network of highways that cut through cities, breaking apart communities of color.
Now that the auto industry is at a turning point -- embracing transformative new products, services and business models -- there's an opportunity to root out the inequities built into existing transportation networks.
With that opportunity, Ford also sees a chance to build up its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. The carmaker also a chance to build closer ties to the policy makers that will set the rules of the road for the automobile industry of tomorrow.
"As part of this transformative period that we're in, we have to really think differently," Ford Mobility Strategist Justine Johnson told ZDNet. "We're seeing a lot of cities that are really focusing on walkable and equitable communities. And we really believe that we have to do our part to be a leader, specifically when we talk about the transformation of mobility... about building the ecosystem for more mobility offerings. This whole process is really about being intentional about that, and we think bringing these issues to the forefront is really what is setting [Ford] apart."
That's why Ford this week hosted the first of three virtual summits it's holding this year to discuss the "city of tomorrow[1]." The first summit focused on mobility and equity. Ford executives, municipal leaders, academics and other experts discussed issues like street safety and bias in AI -- problems that can disproportionately impact communities of color.
Ahead of the conference, Johnson spoke with ZDNet about equity and mobility and what Ford's doing about it. Here are some