Ford shakeup underscores Detroit’s tech dilemmas

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 22: An Uber driverless Ford Fusion drives down Smallman Street on September, 22, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Uber has built its Uber Technical Center in Pittsburgh and is developing an autonomous vehicle that it hopes will be able to transport its millions of clients without the need for a driver. Jeff Swensen/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

NEW YORK: Ford’s decision to oust its CEO is the latest sign of how Silicon Valley technology firms are shaking the foundation of the American auto industry. 

The removal of Mark Fields after just three years at the helm – and his replacement by an auto industry outsider – followed a precipitous decline in Ford shares, amid concerns the 114-year-old US giant isn’t on top of the challenges facing the industry, especially new technology.