Ford Maverick Test Mule

[Mavreezy]

As I was walking my dogs, I noticed a Ford Maverick test mule parked outside a new EV development center near my home that recently opened. The Maverick was equipped with an antenna similar to those seen on Waymo and other self-driving vehicles. While I was taking a closer look, I spoke with a Ford engineer who came outside to grab something from inside a Mach-E that was parked next to it.

I asked him if he knew anything about the Maverick mule. He mentioned that the Maverick program is primarily handled in Detroit and didn't provide specific details on the current status. However, he did confirm what everyone already knows about a mid-size EV truck that is currently in development inside the building. He also noted that they are working on several other projects beyond the upcoming truck. I kept pressing him with a few questions, but he kept giving me politician answers; a whole lotta talking without answering my questions.

Anyways, I have attached a few photos of the Maverick mule. I was particularly interested in the roof rack; although I suspect it is an aftermarket part. I couldn't find any visible branding on it. Given the similarities to other autonomous vehicles in the area, I believe the roof antenna may be related to self-driving technology. But who knows .

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[Hot Runr Guy]

if you look real closely, they removed the roof trim strips and thru-bolted it.

HRG

 

[Cancunbadlands]

It sounds like you’re referring to Latitude AI, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company.

Established in early 2023, Latitude AI was created to focus on developing Level 3 automated driving technology. This move came after Ford and Volkswagen shut down their joint venture, Argo AI.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

While Ford’s current "BlueCruise" system is Level 2 (hands-free but eyes-on), Latitude AI is specifically working on hands-free, eyes-off-the-road systems. The goal is to allow drivers to take their eyes off the road during tedious situations like traffic jams or long highway stretches.

It's NOT AN EV thing related.

 

[Fcnrwy]

There are also some "modules" protruding from each corner...

Jerry

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

It sounds like you’re referring to Latitude AI, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company.

Established in early 2023, Latitude AI was created to focus on developing Level 3 automated driving technology. This move came after Ford and Volkswagen shut down their joint venture, Argo AI.

If you look into Fords "Skunkworks" EV development team, they have (2) facilities in Cali, 1 in Long Beach, the other in a building they share with Latitude AI in Palo Alto.

https://corporate.ford.com//operations/locations/silicon-valley/

https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2025/ford-long-beach-electric-vehicle-campus-opens

HRG

 

[Mark S. (RFD)]

While I was taking a closer look, I spoke with a Ford engineer who came outside to grab something from inside a Mach-E that was parked next to it...
... I kept pressing him with a few questions, but he kept giving me politician answers; a whole lotta talking without answering my questions.

This person was correct in doing just what they did.
Ask all the questions you like, NO Engineer OR Designer will give away secrets as to what is happening behind closed doors.
It WILL cost them their job!!
I have seen both Engineers and Designers fired for giving out information that was considered Secret and/or Classified.
I know this, I am a Retired Ford Designer (32yrs) from Body Engineering, Dearborn Michigan.
I Worked, on average 3-5 years pre-production, including going into production to solve build issues.

As for the Roof rack, Sometimes items are purchased from the aftermarket.
But more than likely, it was designed and manufactured in house.
(that's not to say ideas are not occasionally "borrowed" from the aftermarket)
Myself and several others I know, were occasionally responsible for designing rack mounts for test equipment.

I hope this clears up any questions for you.
Mark S.

 

[Howard]

I’ve often heard that if you get answers in a situation like this, the guy knows nothing about it and wants to look important or else he’d be giving only vague answers to keep his job.

 

[Mark S. (RFD)]

I’ve often heard that if you get answers in a situation like this, the guy knows nothing about it and wants to look important or else he’d be giving only vague answers to keep his job.

You are not wrong. Especially with that first part, them knowing nothing.
The second part, they respond to be polite. We had it drilled into us, 'when out in public, We represent the Company and need to act accordingly".

Regardless what they say in California, they're mostly responsible for customer reactions to Styling and Features.
This is for market research, due to the strong influence of import vehicles there.
Decisions and the Testing is ordered/approved and then done/followed from and by Dearborn Engineering.
There are test labs for various items all over the World, owned by the Company, with the majority being here in the States.

 

[SafetyGuy]

There are also some "modules" protruding from each corner...

Jerry

Those black protrusions, to my untrained eye, are what I imagine to be part of the system and would think they would be a "radar-type" sensor.

My best uninformed guess,

Andy

 

[Fcnrwy]

Those black protrusions, to my untrained eye, are what I imagine to be part of the system and would think they would be a "radar-type" sensor.

My best uninformed guess,

Andy

Proof of Concept...

Jerry

 

[dochawk]

Established in early 2023, Latitude AI was created to focus on developing Level 3 automated driving technology. This move came after Ford and Volkswagen shut down their joint venture, Argo AI.

Given that Ford currently seems to be a distant 4th in the 3 way race with Chevy and Dodge on this, they can't spend fast enough to catch up!

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