Ford Rolling Out Fully Autonomous Cars For Taxis, Ride-Sharing In 2021

PALO ALTO (CBS/AP) -- Ford Motor Co. says it will have a fully autonomous vehicle ready to provide ride-hailing or ride-sharing services by 2021.

Ford CEO Mark Fields announced the new goal Tuesday at the company's Silicon Valley campus in Palo Alto, California.

Ford says its new vehicle won't need a steering wheel or gas and brake pedals. That's a break from many other companies, who plan to gradually add self-driving capability to traditional cars.

Ford's vehicle will be specifically designed for commercial mobility services, like taxi companies, and will be available in high volumes. Ford says personal ownership of self-driving cars will come later.

The company also says it plans to double the staff at its Palo Alto research center by the end of next year to nearly 300 people.