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Episode #1238:  Ford is promising eyes-off driving by 2028. But back in the bays, finding top-tier techs is still a $160K challenge. OpenAI wants to be your new health co-pilot with ChatGPT Health.

Show Notes with links: 

https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-ces-2026-ford-doug-field-panel-0107/
“Eyes off the road” is Ford’s new promise—and it’s coming sooner than you might expect.
Ford announced an “eyes-off” driving system launching in 2028, debuting on its new Universal EV Platform.
The platform will support up to 8 affordable EVs, including a $30K midsize pickup.
AI assistant coming to the Ford and Lincoln app in 2026 and vehicles like Expedition and Navigator in 2027.
Ford is vertically integrating hardware and software to reduce driver-assist system costs by 30%.
“Too many companies have outsourced the whole soul of their machines…we chose a more difficult task,” said Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, Digital, and Design Officer.

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/the-160-000-mechanic-job-that-ford-cant-fill-fe6fd121?mod=autos_news_article_pos3
Let’s talk about the $160K Ford Mechanic Job No One Wants. Ford has 5,000 open service bay jobs, some paying over $120K. But techs say the path to get there is grueling and costly—with few making it to the top.
Ted Hummel, a Senior Master Tech in Ohio, made $160K in 2025—but it took over a decade to reach.
Entry-level techs often start under $10/hr and must invest tens of thousands in tools and training.
The “flat rate” pay system rewards speed, not hours worked—but also means zero pay when work is slow.
Physical strain is intense; many leave the profession due to injury before reaching top pay.
“A bay with a lift and tools and no one to work in it,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley, calling it a nationwide crisis.

https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-health/
ChatGPT Enters the Health Chat: OpenAI is rolling out ChatGPT Health, a new experience designed to help users navigate health information more confidently—by connecting medical records and wellness apps securely to AI.
Over 230 million people use ChatGPT weekly for health and wellness questions.
The Health experience is separate from general ChatGPT chats, with extra layers of privacy and encryption.
Users can link data from apps like Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, and Function for more personalized advice.
Medical info stays isolated within Health and is not used for training models.
Built with input from 260+ physicians, it’s designed to support, not replace, clinical care.
“It helps you understand patterns over time—not just moments of illness,” OpenAI said in the announcement.

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