Automaker Ford has invested $182.2m in technology firm Pivotal to speed up cloud-based software development.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Pivotal is a cloud-based software company accelerating digital transformation for enterprises.
The investment in Pivotal intends to help drive Ford's transformation to an auto and a mobility firm.
Ford will continue to focus on and invest in its core business which includes designing, manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing cars, SUVs, trucks and electrified vehicles.
The automaker aims to lead the industry in terms of connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, customer experience and data and analytics.
Ford recently partnered with Pivotal to offer FordPass, a new consumer experience platform that was launched last month.
The platform will provide new customer services such as remote access to vehicles via a smartphone app, and mobility solutions, like parking and car sharing.
Ford president and CEO Mark Fields said: "Expanding our business to be both an auto and mobility company requires leading-edge software expertise to deliver outstanding customer experiences.
"Our investment in Pivotal will help strengthen our ability to deliver these customer experiences at the speed of Silicon Valley, including continually expanding FordPass - our digital, physical and personal mobility experience platform."
Pivotal CEO Rob Mee said: "We are collaborating with iconic companies like Ford to help transform their businesses with our unique software development methodology and modern cloud platform and analytics tools."
Image: Ford and Pivotal employees working together on Dynamic Shuttle app. Photo: Courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
