Ford to Open Research Center in Silicon Valley

Ford One of Several Automakers Doing Research Locally

Ford Motor Company wants to set up shop in Silicon Valley, to do some high-tech research. The company announced today it will open a new Research Center in Palo Alto this year. The center will focus on developing new automotive technology for future vehicles, according to the Mercury News.

Ford says it plans to open the center sometime in the first quarter of the year. The company hasn't revealed many details about its exact location. CEO Alan Mullally is expected to discuss the company's plans during the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week.

A spokesperson for the company says, don't expect the new center to create many jobs. He expects the research facility will employ fewer than 50 people.

Ford isn't the first company to get into high-tech development here in the Bay area. General Motors, Volkswagen, BMW, and other automakers also have research facilities set up in Silicon Valley. A Ford executive tells the Mercury News, the new center will help them scout new technologies and developers.

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